October 14, 2004

What We Really Want To Put In Our Belly

by Piers Fawkes

Chantico_starbucksYou’d be excused for thinking that with the proliferation of Atkins products in all our stores and with half of your friends having tried the South Beach diet for 2.3 days that we are all obsessed with healtheir-than-thou food and beverages.

The introduction of the new chocolate drink Chantico at Starbucks in the new year in North America may highlight what we really are craving to consume. Chantico named after the Aztec goddess of fires in the family hearth is unlike hot chocolate, which is made from cocoa powder. Chantico is steamed with cocoa butter and whole milk: A 6-ounce cup has 390 calories, 21 grams of fat and 51 carbs!!

And Starbucks isn’t just going to launch a new product without knowing it’s going to be a winner. USA Today reports that the market should respond well to this new product launch as we have become increasingly indulgent since 9/11. Starbucks will market this to our ‘I Deserve A Treat’ mentality as a drinkable dessert: “Imagine melting down a chocolate bar — and drinking it.”

Maybe all this self-appreciation is why items in indulgent sectors are still growing despite the economic climate. Luxury cars have, reportedly, seen a 7% jump in demand this year!

It looks like this sentiment has spread across the Atlantic to Europe too. The Scotsman reports that stressed workers spend more than £1 billion a year indulging themselves with luxury comfort food such as chocolate and ice-cream. Analysts say the top end of the market is now driven by overworked employees wanting to treat themselves by indulging in a spot of “me time”.

Maybe a nice cuppa Chantico will do the trick!

USA Today Article via Agenda Inc
Scotsman Newspaper Article

Article categories: Food & Drink, Lifestyle

Article Link | Add To Delicious Add To Digg Add To Stumble Upon | Email This | Print This Post |

Subscribe

About PSFK

    PSFK is a global trends and innovation company that helps its readers, guests and clients make things better. PSFK publishes websites and reports; hosts conferences and events; and provides advice and consultancy. Contact us.