Starbucks Partners with Grubhub for Beverage Delivery Service
Starbucks plans to partner with Grubhub to offer its custom coffee and beverage delivery service in the US in selected markets from this month. The move is the latest attempt by Starbucks to expand its reach, especially as consumers at home due to increased budgetary pressures are increasingly choosing to eat the same thing.
Initially, Starbucks’ delivery service through Grubhub will be available in Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Illinois. The company plans to expand the service nationwide by August.
The move adds an important new delivery channel for Starbucks customers, complementing the coffee giant’s other existing delivery networks.
Starting last year, Starbucks offers delivery services through DoorDash in the US. Uber also maintains delivery partnerships with Eats and Postmates, both of which are operations of Uber’s food delivery division.
The decision to expand its deliveries came as Starbucks reported strong growth in its U.S. sales. Deliveries to the business increased after the previous quarter.
The company noted a double-digit increase in sales, reflecting strong consumer demand for coffee and take-home beverages.
“Our new partnership with Grubhub will help amplify this growth by increasing Starbucks products for tens of millions of Grubhub customers,” said Meg Mathes, vice president of digital experiences at Starbucks.
She emphasized that the partnership is strategic, leveraging Grubhub’s extensive customer base and strong distribution network.
In April, Starbucks revised its annual earnings forecast downward after seeing same-store income decline for the first time in almost 3 years. The company said slower growth in its largest markets, the United States and Canada, was to blame.
This decline was seen as a significant challenge, given that these markets are crucial to Starbucks’ overall performance. By growing its delivery channels, Starbucks aims to combat in-store revenue declines and address the increasing trend of home consumption.
One of the highlights of this new partnership is its integration with Grubhub’s monthly subscription program. This program will allow customers to order Starbucks drinks with zero delivery fees, reduce carrier fees, and gain access to other offers. This initiative is designed to attract new customers to use the delivery service regularly, thereby increasing sales and customer engagement.
Customers can easily access the service through the Grubhub mobile application and website, ensuring a consistent and convenient ordering experience.
Grubhub, part of Just Eat Takeaway.com, has established itself as a major player in the food delivery industry. The platform has formed fleet partnerships with restaurants and fast-food chains, including top names like McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
Additionally, Grubhub has been involved in delivering goods by partnering with various platforms like GoPuff and Bike. The company has also collaborated with Starship Technologies to provide robotic transportation services to college campuses, demonstrating its commitment to flexible transportation solutions.
Extending its reach further, Grubhub was recently integrated into Amazon’s website and app, giving Amazon customers in the US access to a range of products, allowing them to order directly from the food delivery service. This merger with Amazon underscores Grubhub’s strategy to expand its customer base and increase access to services.
Summary
In summary, Starbucks’ partnership with Grubhub represents a strategic expansion of its delivery services, aimed at tapping into the growing demand for home food delivery through Grubhub’s extensive network of customers.
With this initiative, Starbucks hopes to boost growth and mitigate the impact of falling store sales. This partnership highlights the coffee giant’s flexibility and commitment to meeting changing consumer preferences in a challenging economic climate.
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