Tourism & Hospitality | Monday 14 November, 2016 4:33 pm |

The return of Starbucks cups signals the holiday season drawing near. Over the years, Starbucks has welcomed the holiday season with their special red cup that have featured numerous designs and illustrations in bold colors and seasonal themes. 

 

For the first time this year, Starbucks red cups will feature designs created by customers around the world. Starting 10 November, 13 distinct cups with designs reflecting the holiday spirit worldwide, will be available in more than 23,000 Starbucks stores in 74 countries

 

“We were surprised and inspired by the amount of incredible art submitted by our customers -  the designs were beautiful, expressive and engaging,” said Dena Blevins, Creative Director, Starbucks Global Creative Studio. “We quickly realized there was potential to use the customer created art for our holiday cups.”

 

One of the winning designs was from UAE resident Anz Soza whose creation features a holiday design incorporating hanging ornaments and feathers reminiscent of dreamcatchers. “I love the festive winters, so I was really inspired. To me, the color red symbolizes the celebration of life and togetherness,” she said.

 

This year’s winter theme comes with an exciting new twist. As part of a global initiative to inspire creativity, Starbucks is launching their Red Cups with a creative twist and customers in the MENA region are invited to unleash their artistic side by doodling up original designs, drawing them on a Starbucks red cup, taking a photo of the finished product, and finally submitting it on the Starbucks MENA Instagram (@starbucksmiddleeast) and hashtag #RedCupArtMena before December 3rd for a chance to win a valuable prize. More details on this creative initiative can be obtained on mena.starbucks.com

Commenting on the initiative, Regional Communications and CSR Manager of Starbucks MENA Rana Shaheen said: “Winter indeed is a time of change not only for us at Starbucks, but also for our customers. By bringing this exciting, creativity-inspiring activity to the MENA region along with our delicious lineup of seasonal drinks, we hope to engage with our valued customers on an entirely new and deeper level.”

 

As an extra treat to celebrate the season, Starbucks is launching its Holiday Gift Cards for the first time in the UAE. This artfully designed, cheerful little red card is sure to spread some extra holiday cheer and is always a welcome gift for so many occasions. You can pick them up in stores across UAE then sign up on mena.starbucks.com/register to enjoy great offers.

Along with the red cup launch, the Toffee Nut Latte, a signature seasonal favorite, has made a comeback in stores across the Middle East. Masterfully combining the buttery flavor of sweet toffee with the rich taste of toasted nuts, the Toffee Nut Latte is blended with espresso and steamed milk and artfully topped off with thick whipped cream and toffee-flavored sprinkles, inviting coffee lovers to experience pure bliss on a cold, winter day. Along with the Toffee Nut Latte is the Chestnut Praline Latte which features the rich flavors of caramelized chestnuts and a decadent mix of the most recognizable holiday spices.

 

To complement the Holiday beverages Starbucks is also introducing the S’mores pie, red velvet cake and the cranberry & orange muffin, offering the perfect pairing with our seasonal beverages.

Looking ahead to the second half of the winter season, Starbucks will introduce the Burnt Caramel Latte across its MENA stores on December 5, attracting caramel lovers with its special burnt caramel drizzle spread over thick whipped cream.