This summer, Starbucks
Although the coffee giant is known for its vast array of customizable coffee drinks (as anybody who's ever stood in line listening to someone else rattle off a long, long list of drink attributes can attest), Starbucks' icy frappuccino drinks were previously only available in six predetermined flavors.
U.S. frappuccinos already bring in a little less than $1 billion in annual revenue, but sales have been slowing lately. According to The Wall Street Journal, Starbucks' plan is basically an appeal to the younger generation of Millenials, the kind of kids accustomed to a world where they can have any music they choose on Apple's
Anybody who has followed Starbucks for a long time may recall the year that frappuccinos' popularity actually held Starbucks back. Demand for the icy, relatively labor-intensive drinks made for slow lines in many stores. Apparently, Starbucks has tweaked its production process to let baristas sling frappucinos more quickly this year (and quietly, too).
Whether or not a customizable frappuccino gives Starbucks a major boost, the company should undoubtedly take any opportunity to differentiate itself from its loads of competitors, including Peet's
At least one of those rivals isn't taking Starbucks' new initiative lying down. McDonald's
In the face of this increasing competition, highly customizable drinks could help Starbucks stand apart. What do you think? Is the idea worth a sip or two? Let us know in the comment box below.