Which bakery company did Starbucks acquire in 2012 to expand its food program?
Answer
La Boulange Bakery
Starbucks acquired La Boulange Bakery in 2012 to expand its food program.
La Boulange was founded in San Francisco by baker Pascal Rigo and became known for French-style breads, pastries, and other baked goods. Starbucks announced the acquisition as part of an effort to improve the quality and variety of food sold in its cafés.
After the purchase, Starbucks introduced La Boulange-inspired pastries and bakery items across its stores. The company later closed the standalone La Boulange retail locations in 2015, while continuing to use some of the bakery’s recipes and concepts in Starbucks products.
La Boulange is sometimes confused with other food businesses connected to Starbucks. Starbucks also acquired Evolution Fresh, a juice company, in 2011, but Evolution Fresh was not a bakery.