Starbucks Sees 33% Surge in Coffee Bean Sales Compared to Last Year

Starbucks Home Coffee Bean Packages and Brewing Equipment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Starbucks Coffee Korea announced on the 21st that sales of coffee beans sold at Starbucks stores last year increased by 33% compared to the previous year. In particular, as social distancing due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) prolonged, coffee bean sales in December last year rose by 62% compared to the previous year.

The coffee bean with the highest increase in sales among Starbucks beans was the Sumatra beans from Indonesia, which increased by 91% compared to the previous year. Sales of Ethiopian beans also increased by 90%, indicating an expansion of coffee enthusiasts seeking unique flavors.

Starbucks Decaf House Blend steadily gained popularity through word of mouth, with sales rising 78% compared to the previous year. The Espresso Roast, which has a caramel flavor from strong roasting and features the nutty characteristics of Latin American coffee, also saw sales increase by 36.7% compared to the previous year.

A representative from Starbucks Coffee Korea said, “As customers’ preferences for coffee diversify, the trend of purchasing coffee beans considering roasting intensity, caffeine content, and characteristics by origin is expected to increase.”