Introduction to the Pumpkin Spice Latte
The seasonal Pumpkin Spice Latte has returned to Starbucks menus in the U.S. and Canada, bringing a little autumn to August. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage, with hundreds of millions sold since the espresso drink’s 2003 launch. It’s also produced a host of imitations, with Dunkin’ introducing pumpkin-flavored drinks in 2007 and McDonald’s introducing a pumpkin spice latte in 2013.
The History of the Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Pumpkin Spice Latte was first introduced in 100 Starbucks stores during a test run in Vancouver and Washington in 2003. The following year it launched nationally. Today, Starbucks operates in 88 markets around the world, with the Pumpkin Spice Latte available in 79 of those markets as of 2024.
By the Numbers
Some key statistics about the Pumpkin Spice Latte include:
- $36.2 billion: Starbucks’ net revenue in its 2024 fiscal year, which ended last September. This is a significant increase from the $4.1 billion in net revenue in 2003, when the Pumpkin Spice Latte first went on sale.
- 33.8%: The increase in mentions of pumpkin spice on U.S. menus between the fall of 2014 and the fall of 2024, according to Technomic.
- 4: The number of spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice, which are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
- 2022: The year Merriam-Webster added “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary, with “pumpkin pie spice” being a less common term.
Popularity and Impact
The Pumpkin Spice Latte was the third seasonal beverage introduced by Starbucks, after the Eggnog Latte and the Peppermint Mocha. It typically goes on sale in late summer, with the exact date varying from year to year. For example, in 2015, it went on sale on September 8, but in recent years, the on-sale date has edged earlier. The drink’s release is often met with increased foot traffic at Starbucks stores, with a 24% rise in foot traffic at U.S. Starbucks on the day of its release in 2024, according to Placer.ai.
Fan Engagement
Starbucks has also created a private Facebook group called the Leaf Rakers Society, which has over 42,000 members and is dedicated to celebrating fall all year long. This group is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of Pumpkin Spice Latte fans.
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a beloved seasonal beverage that has become a staple of autumn. With its rich history, impressive sales figures, and dedicated fan base, it’s clear that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is here to stay. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the drink, there’s no denying the impact it has on the season and on Starbucks’ business.
FAQs
Q: When was the Pumpkin Spice Latte first introduced?
A: The Pumpkin Spice Latte was first introduced in 2003 in 100 Starbucks stores during a test run in Vancouver and Washington.
Q: How many markets does Starbucks operate in?
A: As of 2024, Starbucks operates in 88 markets around the world.
Q: What are the spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice?
A: The spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
Q: How many members are in the Leaf Rakers Society?
A: The Leaf Rakers Society, a private Facebook group created by Starbucks, has over 42,000 members.
Q: What is the typical release date of the Pumpkin Spice Latte?
A: The exact release date of the Pumpkin Spice Latte varies from year to year, but it typically goes on sale in late summer, with recent years seeing an earlier release date.
