Coffee lovers, get ready to add a new menu to your list. To welcome the approaching summer, Starbucks Thailand is set to spark a new trend this June by unveiling a highlight beverage. “Starbucks Aerocano.” This hot menu first went viral on social media in 2023 after its initial launch in South Korea.
What makes this drink special is its use of iced Americano coffee that undergoes an aeration process, creating a soft, frothy texture reminiscent of stout beer but without alcohol. For those who prefer something refreshing, there is also a menu called “Yuzu Aerocano.” It combines the sweet and tangy aroma of yuzu citrus, making it easy to drink and perfect for those seeking an entirely new coffee experience.
Ahead of the big event, Starbucks offered a sneak peek into the secrets behind this special menu at the exclusive "World of Starbucks Coffee: Experience the Art and Science of Coffee Crafting Unique Flavors in Every Cup" on 6 May 2023 at Starbucks Reserve® in CentralWorld shopping mall. This served as a prelude to the global coffee festival, World of Coffee Bangkok 2023, held from 7-9 May at BITEC Bangna.
The event was not just about launching a new drink but took attendees on a journey behind the dedication involved, under the philosophy “Bean-to-Cup,” demonstrating how our favorite coffee results from a perfect blend of agricultural science, roasting artistry, and barista passion.
The roasting art by a world-renowned master moves to the “midpoint,” the heart of flavor extraction. The highlight was the appearance of Naoko Kidota, Master Roaster from Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo. This position is extremely exclusive; among more than 400,000 Starbucks employees worldwide, only a little over ten hold this title.
Naoko, responsible for roasting 2.5 tons of coffee sent to Reserve stores globally, shared insights into developing roasting profiles that carefully monitor temperature and humidity to bring out the coffee bean's freshness, body, and aroma. Attendees also learned the art of coffee tasting through Cupping and Aroma Lab activities, applying the principles of "smell, inhale, taste, and conclude" using the Flavor Wheel to deepen flavor perception to an expert level.
Going back to the source, transforming the future of Thai Arabica. None of this deliciousness would be possible without quality origins. Starbucks took this opportunity to announce a historic three-year collaboration with the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) to enhance the livelihoods of coffee farmers in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son).
To tackle climate change and pests, Starbucks brought expertise from the Farmer Support Center in Sumatra, sharing practical agricultural techniques like pruning and soil care. The goal is to establish a “model farm” by 2027–2028, building on over 20 years of support through sales of the "Muan Jai Blend" coffee and community coffee shops, which have contributed more than 20 million baht in funding.
To reaffirm this success, at World of Coffee Bangkok, Starbucks proudly presented Starbucks Reserve Thailand Mae Hong Son alongside top global coffees. This move is more than just a new product launch or brand showcase; it is a firm commitment to advancing Thai coffee and sustainably growing alongside farmers on the global stage.
