McDonald's refreshes its "Cafe Latte" for the first time

On January 11, McDonald's Japan held a launch event for its renewed "Cafe Latte" at Roppongi Hills in Minato Ward, Tokyo, as the first installment of its 2018 "Commitment to Even Greater Deliciousness" initiative.

This marks the first complete renewal since its launch in 2009, with Hidenori Izaki, 2014 World Barista Champion and President of SAMURAI COFFEE EXPERIENCE, serving as supervisor.

The new Café Latte focuses on every detail—from the type of coffee beans and roasting method to extraction, milk temperature, and precise espresso machine settings—to create a new flavor profile that highlights the coffee's rich aroma and depth while allowing the milk's natural sweetness to shine through. This renewed Café Latte (hot, iced) and Caramel Latte (hot, iced) will be available at all stores nationwide starting the 15th.

Takashi Komuro, Senior Manager of the National Marketing Department, explained the background of the renewal: "Considering market trends and changes in consumer preferences, we focused on enhancing the sweetness of the milk and consciously creating a taste more suited to Japanese preferences."

President Iizaki presented the key points of the renewal: "We spent a year developing this, meticulously focusing on the beans, extraction, and temperature to pursue a balance of richness and milk that suits Japanese tastes." He shared his vision for the product, stating, "It's like sending off my own child. My mission is to make people happy through coffee." On stage, actress Hikari Ishida and actor Takuro Ohno, who appear in the TV commercial "Barista Appears," also appeared as guests.

After tasting, Ms. Ishida remarked, "The balance between the robust bitterness of the espresso and the milk is exquisite. This flavor at this price is surprising." Mr. Ohno added, "The milk temperature defines the taste. From the coffee's aroma to the milk-enhanced finish, it's a flavor that satisfies both core coffee fans and those who don't usually drink coffee." Each shared their impressions of the product.

Beyond the talk, the event featured a "bean-opening" ceremony inspired by the traditional sake barrel-opening ceremony on the 11th, where the two guests cracked open a giant coffee bean sculpture. Guests invited to the launch also received complimentary servings of the renewed café latte directly from the guests.

Following the event, the venue was transformed into a one-day pop-up shop offering complimentary café lattes to attendees.

Official website:
http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/company/news/2018/0111a/