Pumpkin spice makes everything nice, especially for retailers heading into the fall season.
According to a Newsweek poll reported by KOB, Starbucks sells more than 20 million pumpkin spice lattes each season. Think about the cost per latte, multiply and maybe understand why retailers can't wait to include pumpkin spice in their menus.
Pumpkin spice is normally available only in the fall. Some establishments, such as New Mexico Piñon Coffee, got an early jump on the festivities, releasing their pumpkin spice offerings in August. It included food, drinks and other items. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, according to KOB, found the powerful autumn scent triggers familiar and cozy memories.
“Fall is one of our biggest seasons besides Christmas,” Christina, the director of operations at New Mexico Piñon Coffee told KOB. ”Everything pumpkin is very popular this time of year. Our pumpkin spice latte and caramel apple Chai are our two most popular drinks.”
Pumpkin spice might be popular more for its rare appearance than what its actual flavor. An unscientific social media poll conducted by KOB showed 62% of those questioned liked the flavor while 38% didn’t. That's good enough for retailers, especially coffee shops, to include the flavor every single year.
