Starbucks x Nestle

Two giants and competitors in coffee just joined forces to help each other out...Starbucks and Nestle.

Nestle will distribute retail versions of Starbucks coffee products and Starbucks will supply coffee for  Nestle's coffee machines. Will we see Coffee-Mate at Starbucks stores? Maybe. Starbucks branded creamers? Perhaps. Starbucks water? Could be.

My first job out of college was at Nestle, where I sold Coffee-Mate among other things. I've always been a fan.

It's interesting to see two large, well-resourced companies come together to utilize each other's strengths and to join their competitive forces to be even more competitive against their joint competition.

I think it's a trend we'll see more of as companies look to build their competitive advantage in creative ways that are cost effective and highly efficient.

What do you think? What's your experience? JIM.