Starbucks will stop selling its much-hyped line of olive oil coffees in the United States and Canada starting in early November.
The news comes less than a week after new boss Brian Niccol was announced. Promises to change the coffee shop giant’s menu to try to win back customers.
The company’s sales have been declining as consumers’ budgets are squeezed by rising costs of living.
Starbucks said the Oleato line of beverages will still be available in some stores in Italy, Japan and China.
A Starbucks spokesperson told the BBC: “While this decision was made before Brian Niccol took over as CEO, the decision to remove the drinks is in line with his strategy to simplify the menu.”
Mr Nicol was the former head of Mexican food chain Chipotle Bring it into Starbucks Help turn around the business.
Last week, he pledged to simplify what he called an “overly complex menu.”
Nicol’s comments came as Starbucks announced that its global sales from July to September were down 7% compared with the same period last year.
Less than a year ago, Starbucks launched its Oleato drink in North America. Originally sold in Italy.
The launch is part of an attempt to revive the chain’s fortunes.
The range includes iced espresso and olive oil and oat milk lattes.
The products were created by Starbucks founder Howard Schultz, who said he was inspired by visiting olive groves in Sicily.
A 2023 Starbucks press release said Mr. Schultz came up with the idea “after learning about the Mediterranean custom of drinking a spoonful of olive oil every day.”
But the drink met mixed reaction from customers, some of whom complained of stomach aches or intestinal problems.
