Mumbai, 12th September 2023: Ringing in the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice, TATA Starbucks, the world-renowned coffee chain, has brought the iconic favourite, Pumpkin Spice Latte to India. This global sensation – a favourite for 20 years – is now gracing Starbucks India stores with its warm and aromatic presence, promising an unforgettable sip of the cozy, spice-infused spirit of fall.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, affectionately known as PSL, isn’t just a beverage; it’s a conversation starter, a cult favourite, and a timeless fall tradition that has undeniably evolved into a cultural icon all on its own. PSL combines espresso, steamed milk, and a harmonious blend of autumnal spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, crowned with a swirl of whipped cream. But behind the steamy, spiced surface of this beverage lies a treasure trove of facts that will leave coffee enthusiasts and PSL lovers just a little more in love with their favourite drink!

Quick Facts

· Fact #1: PSL’s Unique Origins!

The Pumpkin Spice Latte was created by Peter Dukes in 2003. Starbucks was inspired by the success of the Peppermint Mocha the previous winter and wanted a hit for the fall season. Surveys showed chocolate and caramel flavours were popular, but pumpkin scored high for uniqueness. PSL was first introduced as a test in just 100 stores in Washington, D.C. and Vancouver, Canada.

· Fact #2: PSL Has Its Own Social Media Empire!

Brewed to perfection in the marketing world, PSL boasts its own Twitter account, @TheRealPSL, with millions of devoted followers.

· Fact #3: Pumpkin Spice Officially in the Dictionary!

Did you know that Merriam-Webster added “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary in 2022? It’s a testament to the cultural phenomenon that PSL has become!

· Fact #4: The Mystery Behind the Nickname!

Ever wonder why it’s called PSL? It’s not just an abbreviation – PSL gets its nickname from the three-letter beverage code originally written on cups by baristas.

· Fact #5: PSL Crave Gripping Industries!

By the time the 2010s rolled around, it seemed like every industry wanted a slice of the pumpkin spice. From cosmetics to candies, craft beers to cleaning products, the pumpkin spice craze infiltrated the marketplace.

· Fact #6: A Star Favourite!

Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Gordon Ramsey, Mindy Kaling, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Joe Jonas and more can’t get enough of this fall favourite.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Pumpkin Spice Latte to India. This beverage is not just a drink; it’s a global phenomenon, and we’ve felt the anticipation building among our customers here. The PSL has a fan following that’s unreal, with celebrities, coffee lovers, and more eagerly awaiting its arrival. We’re all set to spice things up in India’s coffee culture and can’t wait to witness the PSL mania unfold in the country!”

Sushant Dash, CEO, of Tata Starbucks

The arrival of the Pumpkin Spice Latte represents more than just a new addition to the Starbucks menu; it’s a momentous occasion that brings a worldwide phenomenon to the Indian coffee landscape. PSL lovers can now indulge in the familiar flavours of fall, crafted with precision at their nearest Starbucks store or online via various delivery platforms.

About TATA Starbucks Private Limited:

Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with TATA Consumer Products Ltd and currently operates 347 stores in India across 47 cities, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Vapi, Lucknow, Amritsar, Kochi, Ludhiana, Bhopal, Indore, Kanpur, Jaipur, Siliguri, Thiruvananthapuram, Nashik, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Goa, Nagpur, Jalandhar, Anand, Patiala, Raipur, Kolhapur, Bhatinda, Dehradun, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Lonavala, Mysore, Agra, Aurangabad, Calicut, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Guwahati, Meerut, Nagpur, and Vishakhapatnam through a network of over 4,200 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, TATA Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee – A TATA Alliance.

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