March 21/Seattle/Business Wire -- Starbucks Coffee Company announced plans for a global entry into the energy category with Starbucks Refreshers beverages. Starbucks Refreshers beverages blend real fruit juice with a green coffee extract.

Annie Young-Scrivner, global chief marketing officer for Starbucks and president, Tazo Tea, said, “The energy category is the fastest growing category within measured CPG channels at $8 billion, up 16% over the last year. The launch of Starbucks Refreshers beverages continues to support our growth strategy to innovate with new products, enter new categories, and expand into new channels of distribution.”

According to the company, unlike the traditional process, the green coffee extract used in Starbucks Refreshers beverages is unroasted -- resulting in a beverage with a mild and fresh flavor while still retaining naturally occurring caffeine. Made with green coffee extract from 100% arabica beans, customers will be able to experience Starbucks Refreshers beverages in multiple formats, including ready-to-drink at select grocery locations in the U.S. -- with 60 calories per 12oz. can, in Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemonade and Orange Melon flavors.

 From the March 22, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.