Starbucks Introduces Unusual Pork Latte to Celebrate Lunar New Year in China
Starbucks is making waves in China with their latest creation – a pork latte designed to commemorate Lunar New Year. The drink, available in approximately 25 Starbucks branches across the country, features a unique combination of espresso, steamed milk, and Dongpo braised pork sauce. To add to the novelty, the latte is garnished with a square slice of pork, resulting in an interesting flavor, according to the coffee giant.
In a social media post, Starbucks captioned the announcement by saying, “Eating meat means prosperity in the coming year,” embracing the sentiment behind Lunar New Year. The coffee chain’s Reserve stores have also pledged to incorporate “traditional New Year customs into coffee” in an effort to celebrate the festivity.
Dubbed the “Abundant Year Savory Latte,” the drink is priced at around 68 yuan (£7.50). The use of braised pork is significant during Lunar New Year celebrations because it symbolizes a “rich, prosperous life,” “wealth,” “strength,” and “abundant blessings.” Dongpo rou, the dish from which the sauce is derived, is a popular staple at Chinese New Year feasts in southern China. It consists of braised pork belly, rock sugar, soy sauce, yellow wine, and other seasonings, and is named after the revered Su Dongpo, an ancient poet, painter, and statesman.
Promotional images posted on Weibo by the Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery depict the latte adorned with a drizzle of dark red sauce on the foam, with a square slice of pork skewered on the rim of the mug. China’s coffee shop market is the world’s largest, surpassing the United States in 2020. Starbucks aims to establish 9,000 stores in the country by 2025.
According to Chinese tradition, 2024 will usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon, a symbol of progress, growth, and abundance. The dragon signifies talent, power, and excellence, making 2024 a year of transformative change, opportunities, and challenges. Celebrated on different dates each year, Lunar New Year commences on February 10 in 2021. The dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and this festivity is observed and honored throughout Asia, with several countries even declaring it a national holiday. While the actual date of the lunar new year varies slightly from year to year, it typically falls between January 21 and February 20.
Chinese New Year is marked by the exchange of presents, the purchase of new clothing, and the decoration of homes with items that symbolize wealth, happiness, and good fortune. The festival lasts for 15 days, each dedicated to a specific role or adhering to traditional beliefs. Red is the traditional color used for decorations as it is believed to bring luck. Additionally, it is customary to send red envelopes containing money as gifts. Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is celebrated by over two billion people worldwide.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the introduction of the pork latte by Starbucks to celebrate Lunar New Year in China may generate initial curiosity and interest among consumers. However, its long-term success will depend on the acceptance of the unique flavor combination and whether it resonates with Chinese cultural traditions. It is uncertain whether this limited-time offering will have a significant impact on Starbucks’ overall market performance in China.
