A&P, Starbucks Sign Licensing Agreement 2007-09-10

MONTVALE, N.J. — Starbucks coffee cafes will be introduced at select A&P stores beginning in November as the result of a licensing agreement between the retailer here and Starbucks.

Under the agreement, Starbucks stores will be established in select A&P Fresh and Food Emporium Gourmet/Fine Foods stores under the A&P banner in the Northeast. Store employees will be certified barristas and will be assigned exclusively to the Starbucks store operations, A&P added.

The stores will offer a full beverage menu — including espresso drinks, brewed coffees, Frappuccino blended beverages and Tazo tea, as well as Starbucks cookies, pastries and other baked goods. In addition, the locations will merchandise mugs, CDs and other gift items. Wireless Internet access will be available at some locations.

“The transformation taking place in our Fresh and Fine Foods operations is all about being the best of the best,” said Eric Claus, president and chief executive officer of A&P, in a statement. “When it comes to coffee and related specialties, we are excited to bring Starbucks' commitment to quality to our customers.”

A&P in recent years had opened some Lavazza-brand cafes in its stores, and also was listed among several supermarket retailers that would soon begin merchandising Dunkin' Donuts-brand coffees.