Starbucks Expands Into Soft Drinks as SodaStream Rumors Bubble Up The coffee giant is pushing into the handcrafted sodas market and could be looking to take a stake in one of the biggest names in the game.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

In its quest to become your go-to spot for all things drinkable, Starbucks is pushing into a new front: soda.

The coffee giant announced yesterday that it will offer "handcrafted" carbonated beverages under the name "Fizzio" in 3,000 stores across the U.S., as well as in Singapore, South Korea and China, by the end of 2014.

Starbucks started testing the handcrafted sodas in Atlanta and Austin, Texas, late last year. Currently, the chain offers three sodas -- Golden Ginger Ale, Spiced Root Beer and Lemon Ale -- which are carbonated immediately after customers order. However, Starbucks reportedly plans to add additional, locally relevant flavors over the course of the summer.

Related: Mega Brands Collide: Soon, You Can Order 'Oprah Chai Tea' at Starbucks

While Starbucks filed a trademark application for "Fizzio" as a name for the fizzy-beverage making machines last September, there have been rumors that the coffee chain is eyeing a well-known carbonated beverage machine company: SodaStream. In a potential $1 billion deal, Israeli business news website Globes reports Starbucks is in advanced talks to take a 10-percent stake in the company.

Even if fizzy coffee isn't everyone's cup of tea (yes, that's really a thing), Starbucks has proved that it is eager to expand into new markets. Earlier this year, Starbucks announced that select shops would be selling wine and beer in the evenings. The chain has also emphasized its lunch offerings, testing new items in addition to last year's roll out of La Boulange pastry items.

On Thursday, Starbucks reported same-store sales rose 6 percent in the U.S. in the second quarter. The company earned $427 million, up from $390.4 million a year ago.

Related: Starbucks Now Offers Fizz as a Customized Add-On in Some Shops

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business News

Klarna's CEO Used an AI Clone of Himself to Report Quarterly Earnings. Here's Why.

The fintech company recently reported a record 100 million active customers.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Marketing

How Today's Young Workers Are Creating a New Opportunity for Unions

Today's young workers want more than better wages — they want a voice in shaping the future. Here's how unions can evolve their brand to meet the moment.

Business News

Walmart Is Laying Off 1,500 Corporate Employees: 'Reshaping Our Structure'

The layoffs affect Walmart's global technology, advertising, and e-commerce teams.