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Pentagon accuses Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, three of China's biggest companies, of supporting the Chinese military

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Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon
RetailStarbucks

Starbucks is so desperate for sales it’s pulling out the big guns—the pumpkin spice latte—earlier than ever before

By
Daniela Sirtori
Daniela Sirtori
and
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
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By
Daniela Sirtori
Daniela Sirtori
and
Bloomberg
Bloomberg
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August 21, 2024, 3:37 PM ET
Barista making a fancy coffee
Starbucks rolled out the pumpkin spice latte on Aug. 21 this year, its earliest introduction ever. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg

Starbucks Corp. is deploying one of the most potent weapons in its arsenal to bring customers back into stores: the pumpkin spice latte.

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The fall product lineup is taking on extra weight this year after the coffee chain ousted its chief executive officer in a surprise move last week. Fan-favorite autumn beverages are key to the company’s plan to reverse two quarters of same-store sales declines.

The pumpkin spice latte returns Aug. 22 for the 21st straight year. Starbucks is also introducing a new iced apple nondairy cream chai, plus two other apple beverages that will only be available on its app. Returning offerings include a pumpkin cream cold brew.

Starbucks is bringing in a restaurant industry heavyweight to take over as CEO next month. Brian Niccol, who most recently led a turnaround at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., is on track to become one of the highest paid CEOs in the US. Starbucks investors applauded the choice, sending the shares up 25% on the day of the announcement. 

Niccol will have to contend with inflation-weary consumers forgoing $6 iced lattes, escalating wait times and staffing changes that have angered once-loyal customers.

The autumn drinks aim to meet demand for seasonal beverages while also catering to Gen Z and millennials’ preference for tea-based, cold and nondairy beverages, according to Starbucks. The company added that drink customization in the latest quarter was up 28% from a year ago.

The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
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