Winter is in full swing and with it arrives an assortment of seasonal beverages, like Starbucks' Cinnamon Shortbread latte, which has been described as the cold weather version of the iconic Pumpkin Spice latte -- everyone's go-to autumn drink.
This new sweet beverage offering from the coffee giant is comprised primarily of espresso and milk. To help the drink achieve its unique flavor profile, the brand added in brown butter, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. According to Starbucks, "It’s like cookie butter in a cup," which is sure to satisfy any sugar cravings one might have.
The drink will be available from January 8th, and will also be served iced or as a frappuccino in addition to it's hot latte form.
Cinnamon Shortbread Lattes
Starbucks' Cinnamon Shortbread Latte is Positioned as a Winter Classic
Trend Themes
1. Seasonal Beverage Offerings - Disruptive innovation opportunities include creating unique flavor profiles for seasonal beverages that cater to changing consumer tastes.
2. Cold Weather Variations - There is potential for disruptive innovation in developing cold weather variations of popular drinks, offering consumers more options during winter months.
3. Flavor-inspired Drinks - Opportunities for disruptive innovation lie in creating drinks that mimic popular dessert flavors, providing a unique and indulgent experience for customers.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can explore disruptive innovation by continuously introducing new flavors and variations of popular drinks to cater to seasonal trends.
2. Coffee Chains - Coffee chains have the opportunity to disrupt the market by offering creative and innovative cold weather versions of classic beverages.
3. Dessert-inspired Products - The dessert industry can tap into the trend of flavor-inspired drinks by partnering with coffee chains to create unique collaborative offerings.