The Daily Dish: June 2, 2016

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has big plans for China, which is currently the company's largest international market. In an interview with CNBC, Schultz says that the company's business has the potential to exceed that of the United States. The chain currently has more than 2,100 stores across more than 100 cities in China; 300 of these locations are in Shanghai alone. The company has announced that it will open its first international Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room in Shanghai in 2017. Starbucks plans to open 500 locations each year over the next five years in China.

 

We've heard that chocolate makes you happy, but this is taking it to a whole new (and bizarre) level. Apparently, the latest "drug" craze in Europe's nightclub scene is snorting lines of raw cocoa, which can relax the user and give her or him a temporary burst of endorphins. It also contains magnesium, which can relax the muscles. It can be consumed in powder, pill, or liquid form, and it's totally legal. There have even been events dedicated to this new brand of club drug, overriding previous obsessions with ecstasy, molly, and cocaine. The concept has even taken off in the culinary scene. 

 

Coca-Cola is jumping on the patriotic brand-wagon with new red, white, and blue labels for its Coke cans. The Coke cans, which were unveiled on Memorial Day, are emblazoned with the American flag and the phrase "I'm proud to be an American;" they celebrate 75 years of Coca-Cola's partnership with the armed services. The new can designs will be available now through the Fourth of July, and can be seen on 16-ounce cans as well as 12-ounce cans that come in 20-, 24-, and 35-packs.

 

That's today's Daily Dish, thanks for watching. Stop by tomorrow for another helping.