Why not join us in your local Starbucks next weekend, 12th to 15th March 2010, for the Starbucks VIA™ Taste Challenge?  We think Starbucks VIA™ tastes as good as our freshly filtered coffee. Don’t take our word for it though; we’ll be comparing Starbucks freshly filtered coffee against Starbucks VIA™ in your local store next weekend. Will you be able to tell the difference?

Get a free coffee voucher when you attend the Taste Challenge. It’s our way of saying thank you. (Even if you can’t tell the difference!).

Terms and conditions: one free coffee voucher per customer taking part in the Starbucks VIA™ Taste Challenge between 12th March and 15th March. Vouchers are available while stocks last. The voucher can be used to enjoy one Tall complimentary espresso based drink on your next visit. Full terms and conditions of the voucher can be found on its reverse.

Jess S., coffee master and store manager, London

As a true Starbucks fan, I am always excited to try anything that Starbucks creates. I am thrilled that Starbucks UK will launch Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew, an amazingly innovative coffee that is going to make having a quality cup as easy as tear, tip and tap! To have the ability to offer customers great coffee when they cannot see us in store is fantastic. The Taste Challenge weekend (12-15th March) is a great chance for customers to try VIA™ for themselves and talk to their barista about having great coffee, anywhere.

Having sampled VIA™ with over 150 partners (employees) in the last week, I am certain that it is going to be another great coffee in our lives. Each person had the chance to pick their favourite and many reflected on how it would create additional coffee moments in their day, and the days of their friends and family. My personal favourite is the Bold Italian Roast with its rich flavour with a hint of sweetness. I guarantee you can find a sachet of VIA™ in every bag I own. (For those times when I need a Starbucks fix on the go!)

Can’t wait to see you in stores for the Taste Challenge next weekend!