Specialty coffee gives Chinese New Year a buzzing blend

With Chinese New Year approaching, Starbucks unveiled its first-ever "Chinese New Year Blend" coffee beans in China, specially crafted to celebrate the festive season. From product development and roasting to packaging, every aspect of this special offer is designed with the holiday in mind.

Inspired by the diverse flavors of traditional Chinese New Year dishes, the blend reflects the rich, herb-infused meals and bright citrusy desserts often enjoyed during celebrations. Led by the Starbucks China team, the development of this coffee marks the first time they've taken charge of creating the brand's core coffee beans in the region.

The blend features a mix of three beans, each varying in processing: washed beans from Southwest China's Yunnan province deliver a delicate and refined taste; semi-washed Sumatran beans impart a fresh, herbal aroma; and sun-dried beans from Brazil offer a nutty, full-bodied sweetness.

The packaging design honors Chinese New Year traditions with a bold red theme, symbolizing luck and prosperity. This marks another milestone as the China team leads the design of both the coffee card and packaging. Inspired by the Year of the Snake, the artwork symbolizes a vibrant new beginning filled with promise for the year ahead.