Starbucks launches olive oil coffee in Italy.

 Starbucks launches olive oil coffee in Italy.

Starbucks, the world's largest coffee chain, has announced the launch of a line of olive oil-infused drinks in Italy.

According to CEO Howard Schultz, the "unexpected, velvety, buttery flavour... enhanced the coffee and lingers beautifully on the palate."

Starbucks is one of the major US corporations that has encountered difficulties in expanding into the Italian food and beverage market.

The coffee scene in Italy is known for its independent, often family-run cafes.

Starbucks currently operates around 20 locations in the country.

"There will be those who say, olive oil in coffee? But the proof is in the cup," Mr Schultz wrote on the company's website.

"I can't remember a time in my life when I've been more excited, more enthused," he added.

This spring, the company intends to bring the selection of hot and iced drinks to stores in Southern California, USA. The United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Japan are expected to follow later this year.

The Oleato range, which will be launched on Wednesday in Italy, features an iced shaken espresso and a latte with olive oil "steamed with oat milk".

A cold brew coffee with "a silky infusion of Partanna extra virgin oil with vanilla sweet cream foam... slowly cascades through the beverage" will also be available.

Olive oil is an important component of the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with countries such as Italy, Greece, and Spain.

Its health benefits can be attributed in part to its monounsaturated fatty acids, which contain vitamins and minerals, and polyphenols, which are plant-derived micronutrients.

Last year, the phrase "drink olive oil" became popular on the video-sharing platform TikTok, with supporters claiming it had anti-inflammatory properties.

When Starbucks announced plans to open its first store in Italy in 2018, some Italians called for a boycott.

Mr Schultz stated at the time: "We're not here to teach the Italians how to make coffee. We've come here with humility and respect, ready to demonstrate what we've learned."

Some social media users celebrated the news that Domino's Pizza was leaving Italy last year.

Since its debut in the birthplace of pizza in 2015, the fast food giant has struggled to gain traction.

During the pandemic, it faced increasing competition as local restaurants joined food delivery platforms such as Deliveroo and Just Eat.