In addition to launching seasonal flavors like Toffee Nut, Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread, Starbucks in Hong Kong also introduced a flavorful Christmas Panettone Latte.
This holiday drink takes cues from an Italian fruitcake, which channels bread and butter flavors of the dessert. These festive flavors are paired with steamed milk and espresso, decorated with sprinkles of dried fruits for texture. In addition to being served at Starbucks locations in Hong Kong, the drink is also being offered across Asian countries like China, Malaysia and Singapore.
While gingerbread, peppermint and chocolate are some of the most beloved Christmas flavors, it's fitting that the iconic fruitcake is also getting its time in the spotlight as well. Even though fruitcake has a reputation as a dessert that people either love or hate, the foodie movement is playing a huge part in getting average consumers to be more adventurous and open-minded with their food and drink choices.
Fruitcake-Flavored Lattes
The Starbucks Panettone Latte Was Inspired by Italian Fruitcake
Trend Themes
1. Fruitcake-flavored Beverages - Opportunity to introduce fruitcake flavors in other beverages and products to attract adventurous foodies.
2. Regional Inspired Flavors - Opportunity to create beverages inspired by traditional regional desserts and dishes to appeal to local tastes and preferences.
3. Holiday-themed Drinks - Opportunity to offer limited-time drinks with unique, festive flavors to entice customers and boost sales during holiday seasons.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Opportunity to create new food and beverage products inspired by traditional regional desserts and dishes to attract adventurous eaters.
2. Hospitality and Tourism - Opportunity for hotels and resorts to offer limited-time, holiday-themed drinks with unique flavors to attract and retain customers during the holiday season.
3. Retail - Opportunity to sell fruitcake-flavored products such as cakes, cookies, and snacks to capitalize on the current trend and appeal to adventurous foodies.