Feel-good flavours: the creative spark behind Starbucks Chilled Coffee limited-edition, ready-to-drink beverages
What does ‘escapism’ mean to you? Sitting out in the sun? A wander through nature? Maybe just putting on your headphones and listening to your favourite song? A peaceful walk? Sometimes it’s just a coffee break.
If only we could bottle up that feeling…
Well, our new limited-edition, Chilled Classics beverages hope to do just that. We spoke to Charlotta Oldham, marketing director EMEA at Starbucks, to find out how Starbucks put feel-good into a bottle and a cup. She told us: “We wanted to bring the flavours to life through artwork and IRL activations, creating something people could connect with on an emotional level. That’s why, with Blissful Retreat and Sip on Sunshine, we took a concept-led approach.”
Blissful Retreat: A getaway from the everyday
Try me if…
- You’re a mocha-lover who likes a pinch of the unexpected
- Your dream getaway involves sun, sea and sand
- You treat every coffee break like a mini holiday
Blissful Retreat takes your tastebuds on a vacation. Even the design creates a feeling of calm. “When we designed Blissful Retreat we wanted people to feel transported, even just for a few moments,” says Charlotta, “it’s like a trip to the beach in a cup.” The packaging displays refreshing waves, tropical flowers and palm fronds, a treat for the eyes before you even take a sip.
Inside you’ll find a chilled mocha, delightfully smooth, with just a pinch of sea salt. Shut your eyes, take a sip, and send your tastebuds on a trip to the tropics.
Sip on Sunshine: discover your sunshine state of mind
Try me if…
- ‘Treat yourself’ is your personal mantra
- You believe coffee tastes best with a drizzle of something indulgent
Sip on Sunshine is hard to miss. It really is like, well…a ray of sunshine. With bright, pop-art colours, retro artwork that’s a throwback to the carefree vibes of the 70s, and a cheery bumblebee mascot, Sip on Sunshine’s bright design certainly stands out on supermarket shelves.
“Sip on Sunshine is a moment of indulgence,” says Charlotta, “it’s delicious, it’s fun, and it’s meant to feel like a little treat.” But what does a ray of sunshine taste like? We think it would be a Frappuccino made with indulgent toffee and an uplifting swirl of honey.
While Sip on Sunshine might live in the chilled aisle, it had its moment in the spotlight at Kendal Calling over the summer. Festivalgoers would have spotted our busy bees, the Sunshine Squad. Dressed in bright yellow and armed with free samples, glitter and Starbucks-themed temporary tattoos, the team roamed the festival spreading good vibes.
Find your feel-good flavour
So… are you joining the Sunshine Squad, or are you booking your ticket to a Blissful Retreat? Whatever your mood, as we head into autumn you can carry the summer spirit with you by finding your feel-good flavour in the chilled aisle at your local supermarket. Go on …you deserve it!
