Autumn arrives earlier than ever for Starbucks and others with pumpkin menu items
The arrival of Starbucks pumpkin menu items used to be a sign that autumn was close. However, due to increased demand, Starbucks has decided to start offering pumpkin flavoured items earlier than ever before. This change has been mirrored by other companies such as Dunkin Donuts, Panera and McDonalds, which have begun adding similar items to their menus in anticipation of the seasonal shift. This trend reflects the wider trend in the food industry to take advantage of seasonal ingredients and flavorings earlier than ever, often rolling out seasonal menus as a way to boost sales. Although some critics have argued that these companies are ruining the traditional autumn experience by jumping on the bandwagon too early, many consumers are embracing the change and celebrating the extra time to enjoy the comfort foods associated with autumn.