Starbucks has introduced a new and unconventional flavor to its menu in China - a pork-flavored latte. This unique drink, named the "Abundant Year Savory Latte" or "Lucky Savory Latte," is a special offering to commemorate the Lunar New Year. Priced at approximately 68 yuan, or $9.45, the drink features a combination of pork flavor sauce, espresso, steamed milk, and a piece of pork breast meat skewered on top, dipping into the drink.
The introduction of this pork-flavored latte has garnered attention on social media platforms like Weibo, where photos and videos of the drink have been shared. Starbucks has grown significantly in China since opening its first store in Beijing in 1999, now boasting more than 6,500 stores across 250 cities on the Chinese mainland and employing over 60,000 people.
The Lunar New Year is a major holiday season in Asia, marked by a surge in travel and tourism. This year, Chinese state media predicted a record 9 billion domestic trips during the 40-day travel rush around the Lunar New Year holidays. Starbucks is capitalizing on this festive season by offering a unique and culturally relevant drink to its customers in China.
As Starbucks continues to expand its presence in China and cater to local tastes and traditions, the introduction of the pork-flavored latte is an interesting move that showcases the company's willingness to innovate and adapt to different markets. Whether this bold flavor combination will be well-received by customers remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an element of excitement and novelty to Starbucks' menu offerings in China.