Starbucks(US:SBUX) Benzinga·2025-09-21 06:29Group 1: Company Strategy - Starbucks is shifting its food strategy to appeal to health-conscious consumers by expanding protein and gluten-free options while emphasizing artisanal, premium offerings [1][2] - CEO Brian Niccol announced plans to "reimagine all of our baked items" and create "much more artisanal" foods to complement Starbucks' coffee [2] - The company will introduce a protein cold foam containing 15–18 grams of protein later this year, reflecting growing consumer interest in high-protein drinks [2][3] Group 2: Market Trends - The gluten-free market is expected to more than double from $7.4 billion in 2024 to $15.4 billion by 2032, indicating a significant opportunity for Starbucks [3] - There is a broader shift toward health-conscious diets among millennials and Gen Z, extending beyond just celiac or gluten-intolerant consumers [4] Group 3: Coffee Price Dynamics - U.S. retail coffee prices rose nearly 21% in August compared to the same month the previous year, marking the largest annual jump since October 1997 [4] - Monthly prices surged 4%, the highest increase in 14 years, attributed to unstable weather conditions affecting crop harvests in major coffee-producing countries [5] - Brazil experienced a severe drought impacting harvests, while Vietnam saw a 20% drop in coffee production in 2024 due to adverse weather [6]