Starbucks’ new Blonde Roast coffee debuted nationally on Tuesday, offering consumers a milder brewed coffee option for the first time in the coffeehouse chain’s 40-year history. The milder roast offerings include two new flavors: Veranda Blend, described as “mellow and soft,” and Willow Blend, which also is available in a decaf version and is described as “bright and clean.”
Starbucks officials said the new Blonde roast represents a potential $1 billion opportunity designed to appeal to the estimated 54 million coffee drinkers in the United States — or 40% of consumers — who say they prefer a lighter roast.