Every year numerous people can’t wait for Starbucks to return with their beloved holiday flavors. This year’s Christmas season yields an exciting new flavor in the coffee world. For the first time in five years, Starbucks, a world leader in the coffee industry, is releasing a new national seasonal flavor.
“The arrival of the first new holiday handcrafted beverage in five years – the Chestnut Praline Latte” (“Starbucks Unveils Reimagined In-Store and Digital Innovations for Holiday 2014 and Beyond” 2014) has gotten many positive reviews on social media. “The newest Red Cup offering was trialed in selected stores across America in 2013 and has this year, been rolled out nationally” (Countdown to Red Cups 2014).
Countdown to Red Cups provides a passionate explanation of the beverage: “A seasonal chestnut infused chocolate flavor in espresso with steamed milk, topped with whipped cream”(Countdown to Red Cups 2014). It does sound pretty delicious. I have yet to try it myself, but I certainly plan to once I get the chance.
If you are eager to try the flavor or even make it a part of your morning routine, you can purchase the Chestnut Praline syrup on the official Starbucks website. Pictured below is the syrup.
Starbucks accompanies the photo with the words:
“Like chestnuts roasting on an open fire, this chestnut praline syrup brings the flavors of winter to the coffee drinks you make at home. Top off your coffee or latte with sweetened whipped cream and crushed nuts or spice for an extra cozy treat. Syrup includes a handy pump for dispensing” (“Starbucks® Chestnut Praline Syrup” 2014).
Starbucks certainly knows how to write with the holiday spirit in mind. This is not to say that this drink’s introduction has been 100% smooth sailing.
The site also reveals the latest controversy regarding the introduction of the beverage:
“Not everyone is happy with the new festive flavor as it seems that Chestnut Praline Latte has replaced the Christmas favorite, Eggnog Latte” (Countdown to Red Cups 2014). If one visits this site, one can click on a link that will transfer them to a petition that they can take part in to “bring back eggnog to Starbucks” (Countdown to Red Cups 2014). While a new drink is exciting, many will miss the eggnog holiday option.
What are your thoughts?
Will you miss the eggnog flavor?
Are you excited about the new Chestnut Praline Latte?
References
Chestnut Praline Latte. (2014). Retrieved from Countdown to #REDCUPS website: http://www.countdowntoredcups.com/menu/chestnut-praline-latte/
Geereddy, N. G. (n.d.). Strategic Analysis Of Starbucks Corporation. Retrieved from Harvard website: http://scholar.harvard.edu/files/nithingeereddy/files/starbucks_case_analysis.pdf
Starbucks. (2014). Starbucks Unveils Reimagined In-Store and Digital Innovations for Holiday 2014and Beyond. Retrieved from Starbucks Newsroom website: http://news.starbucks.com/news/ starbucks-unveils-reimagined-in-store-and-digital-innovations-for-holiday-2
Starbucks Store. (n.d.). Retrieved from Starbucks website: http://store.starbucks.com/starbucks-chestnut-praline syrup/011032640,default,pd.html?&srule=Featured&start=0&sz=20&q=Praline&navid=search
I think because Starbucks has maintained a strong line of holiday drinks, it is okay to replace the drinks with others. To further promote their new drink, they have started a buy one, get one free when customers purchase a holiday drink.
LikeLike
I totally agree. They are so powerful and will be fine. I didn’t know about that last part. I need to get on that.
LikeLike
I’m interested in trying the Chestnut Praline Latte. I never liked the Eggnog seasonal drink, so I’m not bothered by it being dropped. I can understand why some people would be upset. That’s the thing with making these kinds of branding decisions: what can people come to expect and depend on from us, and what do we let go?
I am sure Starbucks did research and focus groups beforehand, but how this transition went with the phasing out of Egg Nog and the introduction of Chestnut Praline could’ve been executed better.
In my opinion, there should’ve been some advance notice about the phasing out of Egg Nog. If the Chestnut Praline Latte isn’t popular or doesn’t taste good, the comeback of Egg Nogg would be a great campaign if done right.
In the end, Starbucks is about the drinks that are served year round. Christmas is a huge sales time for Starbucks and letting go of Eggnog won’t kill the brand. After some time, we come to forgive and forget with some brands that are a part of our lives.
The success of Chestnut Praline is yet to be determined.
LikeLike
You make some good points, and I agree, especially to your last comment about the market. I really didn’t like the taste of the eggnog drink, but I do love eggnog.
I hope that this new drink tastes good. Also, I think that they did test it out for quite a while because they are pretty picky about their flavors, as least that’s how it seems to me.
LikeLike
Personally I am not excited by Starbucks newest seasonal drink. It reminds me too much of the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I am not much of a fan for seasonal offerings. Instead, I prefer the more timeless, black cup of joe. I think Starbucks is being as innovative as it can be as far as its product line goes.
LikeLike
I find your perspective to be interesting. I am the opposite. I get very excited for seasonal specials.
LikeLike
The chestnut praline latte is a great addition to the lineup. I love how Starbucks has taken the holidays and included that in their branding. It almost makes each cup of coffee a magical and integral part of the holiday season!
LikeLike
I agree! They even change the actual cup…The redcap website is based on their seasonal red cup. I enjoy what they do with their brand for the holidays.
LikeLike
As an avid Starbucks drinker, I cannot wait to try this new drink. On the topic of the holiday cups, Starbucks does a great job on getting people excited for them. The first day they came out my twitter feed was full of tweets and my Instagram feed full pictures of the classic Starbucks red cups. As for the Eggnog Latte, why not have both drinks this year?
LikeLike
While I do not like the eggnog, I too was wondering why they couldn’t just do both. It could be a budget thing but they are so large that I doubt that this is the issue. It could also be something like eggnog ratings weren’t worth it in enough regions that keeping it a national flavor didn’t make sense.
LikeLike
Looking forward to trying the new holiday drink! Also, super excited the red cups are back for the season! Starbucks sure knows how to bring the cheer!
LikeLike
I am excited too! I am a big fan. I enjoy a nice cup of coffee but, when it’s a holiday flavor, it’s so much more relaxing and fun!
LikeLike