As if being known as the most popular coffee brand in North America wasn't
enough, Starbucks has decided to raise the bar even higher by launching their
own brand of energy drinks. According to a recent article in Huffington Post,
the company's brand of drinks called "Refreshers" have already become
available to consumers in select markets, coming in three revitalizing
flavours: Orange Melon, Raspberry Pomegranate, and Strawberry Lemonade.
Although the concept is very appealing, writers at Huffington Post present
the idea that even a company like Starbucks may not be able to keep up with the
ever-growing energy drink market. Red Bull is in the process of creating a
0-calorie drink, which may affect Starbucks Refreshers' sales, according to
Huffington Post. However, these fruity flavours do sound much more appealing
than the awful, bitter taste found in many older brands of energy drinks.
Here at Engaging Reality, it is no secret that we
are Starbucks addicts. We are personally very excited to start seeing these
Refreshers on stands, not only because of the health and price aspects, but we
believe that the idea itself is so impressive. By putting a line of energy
drinks in a café that is frequented by students and young adults, Starbucks is
sure to gain an excellent profit off of sales. The drinks are cheap, trendy,
and healthy—all of which are elements that will surely boost interest and sales
for the product.These new drinks come in 12-ounce cans and are only 60 calories! Numbers like that will surely be a selling point for the health-conscious customer. However, what makes these energy drinks different than a traditional shot of espresso? Well, they contain green coffee abstract for a boost of energy without the bitter taste of coffee.
One of the greatest aspects of these new energy drinks is that they are all natural. Rather than mixing a bunch of chemicals to create some sort of magical energy boost, the drinks' creators used the abstract as a healthy alternative. Also, Perez Hilton reported on his website that the drinks are rumored to be set at $1.99 per can which is an amazing deal for us broke University students.
The design of the cans themselves adds appeal to the product, because the bright colors contrasting the traditional Starbucks logo create a visually pleasing outer shell. As I am a Starbucks-loving student myself, I was certainly brought in by the colorful packaging. Not to mention, these Refreshers could be a nice change from the regular order of many customers.
"If anyone was going to innovate in coffee while delivering on an untapped energy and refreshment needing state, it would be Starbucks.” Annie Young-Scrivner, global chief marketing officer for Starbucks and president of Tazo Tea, said in a press release. (Quote provided by Huffington Post).
Keep your eyes open for these 12-ounce cans of energy, as 160,000 Starbucks locations will begin carrying Refreshers by the end of April.
