Starbucks partners with Polygon to build its Web3 ‘odyssey’

For what the coffee giant Starbucks is referring to as a web3 “odyssey,” it has chosen Polygon as its blockchain provider.

According to a new announcement by Polygon, the partnership aims to boost Starbucks’ Web3-powered experience to allow Starbucks Rewards loyalty program members and U.S.-based Starbucks partners “to earn and purchase digital collectible stamps in the form of NFTs.”

Guess what’s brewing today? ☕️@Starbucks unveils Starbucks Odyssey #onPolygon!

A unique experience that enables you to earn and buy digital collectible stamps and unlock new, coveted coffee experiences. 🌟

Read more 👉🏽 https://t.co/U8nKjUb8sY pic.twitter.com/nvJ37y9s0a

— Polygon | Aggregated (@0xPolygon) September 12, 2022

Starbucks choses Polygon

The coffee giant has chosen Polygon to provide its carbon-neutral network’s low fees and high transaction speed, building the “perfect foundation for [Starbucks’] first digital community.” The announcement claims that the membership program will provide access to “immersive coffee experiences: from unique merchandise and artist collaborations to invitations to exclusive events.”

The so-called “journeys,” which involve playing games or completing tasks, are meant to give customers a better understanding of the Starbucks brand and coffee. They can earn NFTs, or what the company refers to as “journey stamps,” by completing journeys. Ryan Butz, the company’s vice president of loyalty, strategy and marketing commented on the new launch announcement by stating:

“Building Starbucks Odyssey using technology that aligns with our sustainability aspirations and commitments is a top priority.”

Though the Odyssey experience will launch later this year, customers and partners are allowed to join the waitlist for a chance to be one of the first to access the program.

“As a leading infrastructure provider enabling people and technology to collaborate and exchange value globally and freely, Polygon provides the ideal launchpad for Starbucks’ entry into Web3,”  commented Polygon’s co-founder, Sandeep Nailwal.

The move comes at a time when a large number of companies are trying their hands on NFTs and expanding the popularity of Web3 among common people. The dominant social media company Meta has also started a concentrated push towards digital assets on Facebook and Instagram.

Snapchat just closed down its Web3 branch in addition to its layoff exercise, citing failure to meet the financial target, despite all the promises businesses and experts see in Web3.