Starbucks Introduces Pork-Flavored Coffee in China: A Bold Move in a Competitive Market
Starbucks has unveiled a new, unusual drink in China—a pork-flavored latte. This special beverage, called “Abundant Year Savory Latte,” combines espresso with Dongpo pork sauce, a nod to a famous Chinese dish. Priced at 68 Chinese yuan (about $9.50), it comes with a slice of skewered pork on top.
This limited edition drink was introduced at Starbucks’ Reserve Roastery in Shanghai for the Chinese New Year. The company aims to celebrate Chinese traditions and cater to local tastes with this unique offering.
This move comes as Starbucks faces competition from Luckin Coffee, a local rival known for its unconventional drinks like the “Big Cheese Latte” and “Watermelon Pink Latte,” which are popular among young customers.
The pork-flavored latte has sparked mixed reactions on Chinese social media. Some people find the sweet and savory flavors intriguing, while others think it tastes odd, comparing it to fermented bean curd mixed with sweetener.
Despite the mixed reviews, Starbucks is confident in its new drink, describing the flavor as “surprising.” This bold move shows Starbucks’ commitment to innovation and creating memorable experiences for its customers in China.
