Starbucks rolls out its summer menu as cold drinks, increases sales growth

As Starbucks signals the start of warmer weather by expanding its summer menu on Tuesday, investors can expect sales to warm up when customers cling to their chilled drinks.

Even in the cold winter months, cold drinks have helped Starbucks & # 39; sales are growing. So the company's strategy has focused its innovation on cold alternatives, such as cold foam. Another chilled beverage innovation, Nitro Cold Brew, is available in about half its US stores, as Starbucks targets nationwide availability by the end of the year.

In the second quarter, the company reported sales in stores open at least 1[ads1]2 months rose 3%, Wall Street estimates hit 2.9%. Starbucks attributed the growth to a 3% increase in the average customer ticket. Almost half of the ticket sales came from customers who traded for pricier drinks such as Cloud Macchiato.

In addition, cold drinks help attract customers to stores throughout the day, well past the busy morning. The afternoon's performance in the last quarter was the best it has been for three years.

"We have seen when we introduce more of our cold beverage innovation, there are better afternoons, and our non- [Starbucks Rewards] members tend to trade with us in the afternoon," said COO Roz Brewer at the quarterly interview with analysts Thursday. [19659002] But a cold alternative has received less love. Starbucks has moved from limited time to Frappuccinos. The last one that has a noticeable impact on sales was Unicorn Frappuccino, which was introduced in April 2017. Since then, the Seattle-based company has largely failed to replicate its success with another version of the mixed drink. This year, the summer menu brings back three popular versions of the mixed drink without introducing new Frappuccino options.

"We learn that there is a" and "and not a" or "Starbucks COO Roz Brewer said in an interview and added that Frappuccinos will always be on the menu.

The coffee chain also introduces a Crispy Grilled Cheese [19659000] Dragon Drink

The new summer offers combining Starbucks & # 39; Mango Dragonfruit Refreshment with coconut milk for a fruity and creamy beverage. Like Unicorn Frappuccino is this option designed for Instagram. Dragonfruit sourced from Vietnam gives it the bright pink color.

The latest addition Starbucks' line-up of cold brew has a hint of caramel topped with its frothy cold foam.The drink is a year-round addition to the menu, as Starbucks tries to lure customers in search of healthy alternatives with cold foam that is easy on tongue and calories.

Last summer, Starbucks disappointed customers when it did not take back his mother's Frappuccino. After reading their social media complaints, the coffee chain brings this season back – and it doesn't sound like Starbucks will make that mistake again. Brewer said the company believes that mixed drinks can be the summer's version of lawn spice latte as the popular way to start a new season.

Another summer favorite is also back. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino was first introduced back in 2012. The mixed drink is made with vanilla syrup, chocolate colored whipped nuts and chocolate cakes.

Starbucks rounds out its limited Frappuccino offerings with a version containing caramel syrup, dark caramel sauce, caramel rain and a crunchy caramel sugar.