Starbucks brews up new offerings

Starbucks is introducing a new automated espresso machine called Mastrena and getting back to grinding beans in its stores as the coffee retailer seeks to re-energize its slumping business.

While likely to disappoint some longing for the return of old-school manual machines, the Mastrena is about 7 inches shorter than machines in stores now, making it easier for baristas to interact with customers. The new machine is designed to leave a smaller margin for error in pulling shots and steaming milk.

Starbucks executives said the company would also quit using flavor-locked bags of preground coffee next month. Instead, it will grind beans in most of its U.S. stores to bring back the aroma that’s been missing since it started using sealed grounds years ago.

Starbucks will soon introduce a new “everyday” drip coffee -- a signature brew called Pike Place Roast that baristas will serve up daily in all its stores -- rather than offering new blends from day to day.

Pike Place Roast is the first coffee made entirely of beans purchased through the company’s sustainable growing practices program. Starbucks buys about 65% of its beans from farms that win higher prices for doing things such as paying its pickers well and growing their coffee in shade without using pesticides.