"Tomorrow from 2 to 8 PM, get 1+1 on 'this drink' at Starbucks"

Starbucks Holds Afternoon Event from the 7th to 13th
Five Types of Decaffeinated Coffee Included

Starbucks Korea will hold a '1+1 Event' from the 7th to the 13th, every day from 2 PM to 8 PM, where customers who purchase a decaffeinated beverage will receive one more cup for free.

The eligible beverages for the event include five types: Decaffeinated Caff? Americano, Decaffeinated Caff? Latte, Decaffeinated Flat White, Decaffeinated Caramel Macchiato, and Decaffeinated Starbucks Dolce Latte. Customers who visit the store during the event hours and order any of the eligible drinks will receive another drink of the same size for free.

Starbucks Korea will hold a buy one, get one free event for decaffeinated coffee from the 7th to the 13th, between 2 PM and 8 PM. Photo by Starbucks Korea

Starbucks explained that the event was organized due to the steady increase in sales of decaffeinated beverages. In the first quarter of this year, Starbucks' decaffeinated beverage sales increased by about 31% compared to the same period last year. Additionally, last year’s sales of decaffeinated beverages reached 32.7 million cups, marking a record high with a 55% increase from the previous year.

A Starbucks representative said, "One out of every ten Americanos ordered is decaffeinated," adding, "As the 'healthy pleasure' trend of enjoying health continues, the sales of decaffeinated beverages are expected to steadily increase."

The popularity of decaffeinated beverages can also be seen in import and export statistics. According to the Korea Customs Service import-export trade statistics, the import volume of decaffeinated green beans and roasted beans last year was 7,023.1 tons, a 7.7% increase from the previous year. However, the caffeine content standards for decaffeinated coffee vary by country. The European Union (EU) allows labeling as decaffeinated when 99% of caffeine is removed, while the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires at least 97% removal.

However, the current domestic standard allows decaffeinated labeling when at least 90% of caffeine is removed. This differs from general consumer perception, so consumers need to be cautious when choosing decaffeinated coffee. According to a survey on consumer perception of decaffeinated coffee, 74% of consumers recognize coffee with a caffeine removal rate of 97% or higher as decaffeinated coffee.