Love Your OU Kosher Starbucks Coffee? The Famed OU Symbol Now Graces Starbucks Liqueurs As Well

15 Aug 2006

LOVE YOUR OU KOSHER STARBUCKS COFFEE? THE FAMED OU SYMBOL NOW GRACES THE BOTTLES OF STARBUCKS LIQUEURS AS WELL

Those who love their Starbucks coffee, which is under the kosher supervision of the Orthodox Union, are certain to be delighted by the mid-summer announcement of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. — the fourth largest spirits company in the world and a unit of Fortune Brands — that Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur and Starbucks™ Cream Liqueur products now also display the famed OU symbol.

Now, the coffee mania which began in Seattle and spread seemingly everywhere, will have a companion in fine liqueurs that will be redolent of the brew even while satisfying a different kind of taste.

For more than 80 years the OU has maintained the highest standard of kosher supervision. The OU logo indicates that the product may be consumed by all those who observe kosher dietary laws, as well as by many others who have special dietary requirements. According to Kelly Doss, brand director for Starbucks™ Liqueurs at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the symbol also further expands the consumer base of the liqueur category.

“The popularity of Starbucks™ Liqueurs among Starbucks lovers has raised expectations and market demand for the overall category,” said Doss. “We are delighted to receive the OU seal, which is an important symbol of quality and care, so that even more enthusiasts can enjoy Starbucks™ Liqueurs,” he added.

“OU certification is becoming increasingly important to consumers who look for quality products made with care,” said Paul E. Houston, plant manager for Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “Since 1992, Beam Global has worked with the OU to provide those who observe kosher dietary laws, and many others who have special dietary requirements, with kosher options for enjoying spirits that are consistent with the highest standards of kosher supervision.”

“Our long-standing relationship with the OU has enabled Beam Global to expand its consumer base with products like Starbucks Liqueurs and LeRoux Liqueurs,” added Mr. Houston. “By authorizing Beam Global to feature the OU symbol on these brands, more adults have more options for enjoying quality cocktails.”

Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Safran, Vice President of Communications and Marketing of OU Kosher, who has worked with Jim Beam officials to develop the OU certification of Jim Beam /Starbucks products, as well as Rabbi Jacob Mendelson, the Orthodox Union’s Rabbinic Coordinator for Jim Beam, lauded Jim Beam’s “extraordinarily meticulous job of adhering to every aspect of kosher protocol and responsiveness to kosher concerns.” Rabbi Safran noted the company’s enthusiastic cooperation in assuring that the OU’s standards are well integrated into all facets of Starbucks product productions.

Rabbi Moshe Elefant, Chief Operating Officer of OU Kosher, concurred. “The OU, in its goal to service the kosher consuming public, recognizes the importance of having Starbucks products certified. We therefore welcome Beam Global Spirits & Wine’s commitment to helping us to achieve this goal.”

Introduced in 2005, Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur is the first of its kind to use 100 percent Starbucks® coffee. It contributed to more than half the seven percent growth of the coffee liqueur category in 2005; was named No. 1 spirits introduction of 2005 (Nielsen); Best New Product 2005 (Market Watch); and surpassed the 100,000 case depletion mark in its inaugural year, placing the liqueur in good company with a select group of spirits.
Starbucks™ Coffee Liqueur was then followed by a cream version in October 2006. Starbucks™ Cream Liqueur is an artful blend of fresh cream, premium spirits and a hint of Starbucks® coffee. It is best enjoyed over ice, added to coffee, or as a signature ingredient in a favorite cocktail. Its silky smooth texture and rich flavor makes for a deliciously unique cocktail experience.

Created with the Starbucks lover in mind, both liqueurs come packaged in elegant bottles shaped like cocktail shakers and are available in licensed establishments where premium distilled spirits are sold, including bars, restaurants and retail outlets. They are not sold in Starbucks retail stores. A 750ml bottle of Starbucks™ Coffee or Cream Liqueur has a suggested retail price of $22.99, which varies by market. These products are also available in 1L, 375ml and 50ml bottles. For signature recipes and additional information, visit www.starbucksliqueurs.com.

Starbucks™ Liqueurs are low-proof liqueurs intended for adults of legal purchase age who choose to drink responsibly and are seeking a premium-quality cocktail.