Starbucks is embarking on a twelve-year partnership with Royal Selangor to collaborate for a limited ‘Bearista Buddy’ series. The series will see each of the 12 animal signs that appear in the Chinese zodiac come to life in pewter at Starbucks stores in Malaysia each year. Starting off the collection for 2020 is the Starbucks® x Royal Selangor Bearista Buddy (Rat) series, which is also the first animal in the Chinese Zodiac cycle. Rounding out this year’s collection is the Starbucks® x Royal Selangor Bearista Buddy (Rat) Gold Edition, of which there are only 88 pieces and will be available exclusively to purchase only through the Starbucks Malaysia Facebook Store.
“We are excited to take this next step with Royal Selangor with an ongoing collection that truly elevates the craftmanship of a beloved Malaysian brand with one of the world’s most significant cultural celebrations,” said Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director of Starbucks Malaysia & Brunei. “This long-term collaboration demonstrates our continued commitment to provide a platform for Malaysian-made brands to reach a greater audience through our stores in Malaysia and through our extended network of international collectors and fans. As we head into a new normal, it’s more important than ever for us to uplift and support local businesses any way we can.”
Made from Royal Selangor’s high-quality cast pewter, the series combines pure Starbucks design with Royal Selangor’s time-honored techniques to create a series of handcrafted figurines characterized by the silhouette of the zodiac animal and Starbucks iconography. The collection will be refreshed annually with the next animal in the zodiac cycle and only be available in a limited quantity. Adding to the exclusivity of the collection will be a Gold Edition of the Bearista Buddy, of which only 88 pieces will be crafted by hand and gilded with 24-karat gold.
“This partnership with Starbucks will showcase all 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac calendar in a refreshing way that appeals to the Starbucks fan.” said Chen Tien Yue, Executive Director of Royal Selangor Marketing.
He adds,“ With this collaborative effort of two brands, both with equally rich histories in craftmanship, we at Royal Selangor are thrilled to be working together with Starbucks in this broadened capacity with the goal of ultimately delivering a collection that not only speaks to the heart of Malaysians but also highlights the beauty of Malaysian-made products through an internationally recognized platform.”
The one-of-a-kind Starbucks® x Royal Selangor Bearista Buddy (Rat) is priced at RM228 and only 880 pieces will be made available at select Starbucks® stores in Malaysia from 28 August onwards. The 88 Gold Edition pieces of the Bearista Buddy (Rat) are priced at RM388 and will be available exclusively at the Starbucks Malaysia Facebook Store. Also available through the online marketplace is a bundle of both the pewter and Gold Edition of the Starbucks® x Royal Selangor Bearista Buddy (Rat), which will be priced at RM608.
For more information, please visit Starbucks Malaysia Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StarbucksMalaysia.