FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ramar Foods Announces Strategic Acquisition of Starbucks Following Brand’s Full Pivot to Ube
Pittsburg, CA – April 1, 2026
In a bold and culturally affirming move, Ramar Foods today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all global retail locations of Starbucks, following the coffee giant’s recent and complete pivot into the rapidly growing Ube category.
Once known for coffee, Starbucks has quietly transitioned its entire menu over the past quarter to feature ube-forward beverages, including the Iced Ube Cloud Macchiato, Ube Cold Foam Cold Brew (no coffee), and the widely debated Ube Flat White (still unclear).
“We’ve always believed we are the Ube company,” said PJ Quesada, Vice President of Ramar Foods. “And through our Magnolia Ice Cream brand, we were proud to introduce Ube to American consumers long before it turned everything purple. So when Starbucks leaned all the way in, we saw alignment… and also an opportunity to gently take over.”
A Natural Strategic Fit
Under the terms of the agreement, all Starbucks locations will be rebranded to “The Halo Halo Place: Coffee Division”, with immediate menu integration including:
- Halo Halo Frappé (now considered a breakfast item)
- Ube Espresso (vibrant, bold, and slightly confusing)
- Lumpia Bites™ (automatically added to every order, no opt-out)
Select flagship locations will also debut the Lechon Halo Halo Experience, a shareable centerpiece featuring a full roasted pig balanced heroically atop shaved ice.
Leadership Commentary
A Starbucks spokesperson (now transitioning into a “Ube Integration Specialist”) shared:
“We followed customer trends… and suddenly everything was purple. At a certain point, we just accepted it.”
Industry Implications
Analysts anticipate sweeping changes across both beverage and frozen dessert categories, including:
- Drive-thrus redesigned as Halo Halo Express Lanes
- Loyalty programs reimagined as “Scoop Rewards”
- Seasonal launches such as Pumpkin Spice Ube (PSU)
What This Means for Customers
Customers can expect:
- A dramatic increase in purple beverages
- A stronger emotional connection to dessert at all hours
- Occasional confusion, followed by acceptance, followed by enthusiasm