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Financial news contextualization you need to know.
Drop by a Dunkin’ and you might have the pleasure of seeing a line of sweaty customers wearing Lenny Kravitz-sized scarves. Those weary pilgrims are in search of the mighty Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, which made its annual debut in Dunkin’ yesterday, though it’s still hot enough to merit what I call the “evening bikini.” (It’s like a bikini but formal.)
Meanwhile, Starbucks is still tight-lipped about when its Pumpkin Spice Latte (aka PSL, duh) will return, but some heavily invested fans are suggesting it could drop around August 30.
With all the hype, let’s take a quick look at the CPI (Consumer Pumpkin Index).
Starbucks introduced its PSL in 2003 and 19 years later, customers are still fascinated by the idea of starting their day with something hot and orange. A Starbucks spokesman told Money Scoop that since the drink’s launch, stores in the US have sold more than 500 million PSLs (I’ve probably bought 300 million of these), so it’s no surprise that it’s on the most popular seasonal list Starbucks drinks stands.
Dunkin’ climbed the pumpkin wagon in 2020 when it introduced its Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte (aka PSSL). And while a Dunkin’ rep couldn’t give Money Scoop a solid figure for PSSL sales, the hordes of fall demons outside my Dunkin’ neighborhood suggest that folks. Love. This. Things. ☕
It’s safe to say that Pumpkin Spice consumables bring in the big bucks. And while neither Dunkin’ nor Starbucks would confirm concrete price increases for their respective pumpkin spice drinks this year, both brands have steadily increased consumer prices since the pandemic began.
But before we get too mad at these coffee giants, remember they’re not alone: The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that overall coffee CPI has steadily increased, as has my blood pressure after too many espresso shots.
I’m glad at least Dunkin’ is offering its medium PSSL for just $3 through September 13th. Excuse me while I join the Horde. 🎃 – Lilian
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