The world's largest coffee shop operator turned 40 last year, and it celebrated by continuing to move beyond the traditional lattes and cappuccinos that made it a success. In March, Starbucks joined forces with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, which controls about 80% of the North American single-serve brewing segment. With the partnership, Starbucks is poised to dominate the fast-growing $4 billion U.S. single-serve coffee market, potentially challenging companies from Peet's Coffee & Tea to Kraft Foods Inc.
Starbucks also tapped into the juice market. In November, the company bought juice company Evolution Fresh for $30 million. With the acquisition, Starbucks has positioned itself to expand into the $50 billion health and wellness sector, potentially competing directly with smoothie maker Jamba Juice. Investors clearly were juiced.
