Starbucks has always been about more than just serving coffee. The beverage serves as a conduit, bringing people together and fostering shared experiences. Founded over 50 years ago in Seattle’s Pike Place Market as a small store selling whole-bean coffee, Starbucks has since grown into a globally recognized brand synonymous with connection and community.
Drawing inspiration from Milan’s rich coffee culture, Starbucks has introduced the Starbucks Duetto, a line of two new coffee blends. Unveiled at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, the Milano Sole and Milano Luna blends pay homage to the vibrant traditions of Milan and Starbucks’ own heritage in coffee roasting. These blends, crafted by master roasters in Milan and Seattle, represent a marriage of tradition and innovation, offering distinct dark and light roast profiles.
The Starbucks Milano Duetto was launched exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan on May 21st. From May 21st to May 26th, patrons had the opportunity to sample the new coffees in two limited-edition handcrafted beverages: the Milano Luna Caramel Macchiato and the Milano Sole Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso.
To commemorate the launch, Starbucks hosted a series of immersive, festive events celebrating the intersection of coffee, art, and music. Milanese muralists Orticanoodles, known for their graffiti-inspired art, created large-scale murals that visually represented the duality of the new coffee blends. The artist duo, Wally and Alita, captured the essence of the dark and light roasts in their dynamic works.
Visitors to the roastery were welcomed with an enticing digital installation that explored the artistic process of coffee roasting. Guests could also engage with a Digital Booth to create shareable social media content, enhancing their experience. The day culminated in a lively evening event featuring Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, underscoring that coffee can be enjoyed and celebrated at any hour.
Following the exclusive debut in Milan, the Starbucks Milano Duetto will be rolled out to Starbucks stores worldwide later this year, allowing coffee enthusiasts everywhere to experience these unique blends.