Franchise chains cash in on a “fall boom” with warm drinks and desserts as competition for seasonal dominance heats up

[Financial News] With temperatures falling and daily temperature swings widening this month, franchise chains are enjoying a “fall boom.” Competition to strengthen beverage and dessert lineups for the season extending into winter is expected to intensify further.
According to the franchise industry on the 18th, the number of consumers seeking warm tea has risen this month as temperatures have fallen and daily temperature swings have widened. Traditional teas such as citron, ginger and ssanghwa tea, along with limited-edition fall beverages and distinctive bakery desserts, are posting strong sales. Starbucks Coffee Korea Co., Ltd. is strengthening its fall lineup with drinks featuring sweet, smooth glazed foam. Its signature “Black Glazed Latte” has remained popular, surpassing 30 million cups sold cumulatively since its debut in 2019. This year, sales began on August 28, and at least 4.5 million cups were sold in about two months.
The “Matcha Glazed Tea Latte,” first introduced last year, has also become a popular fall menu item. After surpassing expectations in popularity, including having its sales period extended twice last year, it was brought back on the 29th of last month. The “Hojicha Glazed Tea Latte,” newly added this year, has surpassed 1 million cups sold cumulatively since its launch on August 28 and is drawing attention as a new hit beverage following the “Black Glazed Latte” and “Matcha Glazed Tea Latte.”
At Paik’s Coffee, sales of hot coffee products, including café lattes, rose by about 53% from the same period of the previous month between the 1st and the 13th. Sales of warm fruit teas are also trending upward, with citron, lemon and grapefruit teas increasing by about 47%, 39% and 35%, respectively.
A Paik’s Coffee representative said, “We are expanding our lineup of drinks that can be enjoyed hot, including hojicha lattes, targeting the fall and winter seasons.”
Bakery brands are also driving sales growth with new products that bring out the flavors of fall.
Paris Baguette’s five new products, including Parmesan, mozzarella, Gouda, cheddar and cream cheese, launched on the 1st for the fall season, recorded 5% sales growth over their launch-day level in just 15 days (as of the 15th). The new products highlight the distinct tastes and textures of different cheeses and offer a broad range, from hearty meal substitutes to light snacks.
“Choco Chewy Churros,” introduced on the 2nd of last month, surpassed 1.7 million units in cumulative sales within a month of its launch. That amounts to roughly one sold every two seconds. Since its launch, it has gained popularity through word of mouth, particularly among younger consumers. Sales had surpassed 3 million units as of that day. An industry representative said, “Consumer demand will continue for warm drinks that help people warm up in a sudden cold snap and hearty desserts they can enjoy.”
[email protected] Kim Seo-yeon Reporter