The world of plant-based milk alternatives has been abuzz with the news of Oatly, a popular oat milk brand, partnering with Starbucks, the global coffee giant. But did Oatly really get a deal with Starbucks? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this partnership and explore what it means for the future of plant-based milk alternatives.
A Brief History of Oatly
Before we dive into the details of the partnership, let’s take a brief look at the history of Oatly. Oatly was founded in 1994 by Rickard Öste, a Swedish scientist who was determined to create a plant-based milk alternative that was not only delicious but also sustainable. Öste’s vision was to create a product that would not only appeal to vegans and vegetarians but also to environmentally conscious consumers who were looking for a more sustainable alternative to traditional dairy milk.
Over the years, Oatly has grown in popularity, and its products are now available in over 20 countries around the world. The company has also expanded its product line to include a range of oat-based milk alternatives, including oat milk, oat cream, and oat yogurt.
The Partnership with Starbucks
In 2020, Oatly announced that it had partnered with Starbucks to offer its oat milk as a non-dairy milk alternative in Starbucks stores across the United States. This partnership marked a significant milestone for Oatly, as it was the company’s first major partnership with a global coffee chain.
Under the terms of the partnership, Oatly’s oat milk would be available in Starbucks stores as a non-dairy milk alternative, alongside other plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk and soy milk. The partnership also included a commitment from Starbucks to promote Oatly’s products through its marketing channels.
What Does the Partnership Mean for Oatly?
The partnership with Starbucks is a significant win for Oatly, as it provides the company with access to a global market and a massive customer base. With over 30,000 stores in more than 75 countries, Starbucks is one of the largest coffee chains in the world, and its partnership with Oatly provides the company with a significant opportunity to expand its reach.
The partnership also provides Oatly with a significant marketing boost, as Starbucks has committed to promoting Oatly’s products through its marketing channels. This includes in-store promotions, social media advertising, and online marketing campaigns.
What Does the Partnership Mean for Starbucks?
The partnership with Oatly is also a significant win for Starbucks, as it provides the company with a high-quality, plant-based milk alternative that appeals to its environmentally conscious customers. With the growing demand for plant-based milk alternatives, Starbucks is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with its partnership with Oatly.
The partnership also provides Starbucks with a competitive advantage, as it is one of the first major coffee chains to offer a high-quality, plant-based milk alternative. This is likely to appeal to customers who are looking for a more sustainable alternative to traditional dairy milk.
The Benefits of Oat Milk
So, what makes oat milk such a popular choice among consumers? Here are some of the benefits of oat milk:
Environmental Benefits
Oat milk is a highly sustainable milk alternative, as it requires significantly less water to produce than traditional dairy milk. According to a study by the Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology, oat milk requires just 0.45 liters of water to produce one liter of milk, compared to 1,020 liters of water required to produce one liter of traditional dairy milk.
Oat milk is also a more energy-efficient milk alternative, as it requires less energy to produce than traditional dairy milk. According to a study by the University of Michigan, oat milk requires just 0.24 kilowatt-hours of energy to produce one liter of milk, compared to 1.14 kilowatt-hours of energy required to produce one liter of traditional dairy milk.
Health Benefits
Oat milk is also a healthy milk alternative, as it is low in calories and rich in nutrients. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of oat milk contains just 35 calories, compared to 170 calories in one cup of traditional dairy milk.
Oat milk is also rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to a healthy diet. According to the USDA, one cup of oat milk contains 2 grams of fiber, 10% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin D, and 10% of the daily recommended intake of calcium.
The Future of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
The partnership between Oatly and Starbucks is just one example of the growing demand for plant-based milk alternatives. As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious and health-aware, the demand for plant-based milk alternatives is likely to continue to grow.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global plant-based milk market is expected to reach $38.9 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% during the forecast period.
Key Players in the Plant-Based Milk Market
Here are some of the key players in the plant-based milk market:
- Oatly: A Swedish company that specializes in oat-based milk alternatives.
- Almond Breeze: A US-based company that specializes in almond-based milk alternatives.
- Soylent: A US-based company that specializes in soy-based milk alternatives.
- Califia Farms: A US-based company that specializes in almond-based milk alternatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between Oatly and Starbucks is a significant win for both companies, as it provides Oatly with access to a global market and a massive customer base, and provides Starbucks with a high-quality, plant-based milk alternative that appeals to its environmentally conscious customers.
As the demand for plant-based milk alternatives continues to grow, we can expect to see more partnerships between companies like Oatly and Starbucks. With the growing trend towards sustainability and health awareness, the future of plant-based milk alternatives looks bright.
| Company | Product | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Oatly | Oat milk | Highly sustainable, low in calories, rich in nutrients |
| Almond Breeze | Almond milk | Low in calories, rich in vitamins, low in fat |
| Soylent | Soy milk | High in protein, low in calories, rich in nutrients |
| Califia Farms | Almond milk | Low in calories, rich in vitamins, low in fat |
Note: The table provides a summary of some of the key players in the plant-based milk market, their products, and the benefits of their products.
Did Oatly Get a Deal with Starbucks?
Oatly did get a deal with Starbucks. In 2021, Oatly announced a multi-year partnership with Starbucks to become the exclusive oat milk supplier for the coffee chain in the United States. This deal marked a significant milestone for Oatly, as it expanded its presence in the US market and further solidified its position as a leading oat milk brand.
As part of the deal, Oatly’s oat milk became a permanent menu item at Starbucks locations across the US, offering customers a plant-based milk alternative to traditional dairy options. The partnership also enabled Oatly to increase its production capacity to meet the growing demand for its products.
What Does the Partnership Mean for Oatly?
The partnership with Starbucks has been a game-changer for Oatly, providing the company with a significant boost in brand visibility and sales. By becoming the exclusive oat milk supplier for Starbucks, Oatly has been able to tap into the coffee chain’s vast customer base and expand its reach in the US market.
The deal has also enabled Oatly to increase its production capacity and invest in new manufacturing facilities to meet the growing demand for its products. This has helped the company to further solidify its position as a leading oat milk brand and has paved the way for future growth and expansion.
How Does the Partnership Benefit Starbucks?
The partnership with Oatly has enabled Starbucks to offer its customers a high-quality, plant-based milk alternative that aligns with the company’s sustainability goals. By partnering with Oatly, Starbucks has been able to reduce its environmental footprint and provide customers with a more sustainable option.
The partnership has also helped Starbucks to stay ahead of the curve in terms of consumer trends, as demand for plant-based milk alternatives continues to grow. By offering Oatly’s oat milk as a permanent menu item, Starbucks has been able to attract a new wave of customers who are looking for sustainable and environmentally-friendly options.
Is Oatly’s Oat Milk Available at All Starbucks Locations?
Oatly’s oat milk is available at most Starbucks locations in the US, but it’s not available at all locations. Some Starbucks stores may not offer oat milk due to various reasons such as supply chain issues or equipment limitations.
However, Oatly’s oat milk is widely available at most Starbucks locations, and customers can check with their local store to confirm availability. Starbucks has also made it easy for customers to customize their drinks with oat milk by adding it as a permanent menu item on its website and mobile app.
Can I Customize My Starbucks Drink with Oatly’s Oat Milk?
Yes, customers can customize their Starbucks drinks with Oatly’s oat milk. Oatly’s oat milk is a permanent menu item at Starbucks, and customers can ask their barista to substitute it for traditional dairy milk in any drink.
Customers can also customize their drinks with oat milk by using Starbucks’ website or mobile app. Simply select the drink you want, choose oat milk as your milk option, and pick up your drink at your local Starbucks store.
Is Oatly’s Oat Milk More Expensive Than Traditional Dairy Milk at Starbucks?
Oatly’s oat milk is priced similarly to traditional dairy milk at Starbucks. Customers can expect to pay a similar price for oat milk as they would for traditional dairy milk.
However, prices may vary depending on the location and the specific drink. Some drinks may be priced higher due to the use of oat milk, but overall, the price difference is minimal.
Will Oatly’s Partnership with Starbucks Expand to Other Countries?
While Oatly’s partnership with Starbucks is currently limited to the US market, there is potential for expansion to other countries in the future. Oatly has a global presence, and the company has expressed interest in expanding its partnership with Starbucks to other markets.
However, there has been no official announcement from Oatly or Starbucks regarding plans to expand the partnership to other countries. For now, the partnership remains exclusive to the US market, but it’s possible that we may see expansion to other countries in the future.