Starting March 9, Starbucks kicks off eight weeks of coffee exploration by featuring a different bold coffee each week in its participating U.S. and Canada retail stores. Coffee lovers in the U.S. who purchase a brewed coffee every week and track their experience through a Coffee Journey Card will receive a free 1-pound of whole bean coffee.

Six months after Starbucks introduced Starbucks VIA Ready Brew in the U.S. and Canada the Company announced today it will launch Starbucks VIA throughout Company-operated and licensed locations in the U.K. on March 8 and Japan on April 14.

One of the biggest coffee shop chains, Starbucks, found its way to battle the recession — it raises prices, higher and higher. The brand is charging its loyal consumers with more and more money for the same range of products. The new strategy, announced yet in April, and now it is being implemented.