Starbucks has recently changed its iced coffee recipe for the first time in nearly two decades, and many fans are not pleased. The new blend, which combines sun-dried and washed coffee beans from Latin America, was introduced about three months ago. Customers have reported that their usual iced coffee now tastes different, with some describing it as "burnt" or "soured." This change has led some loyal customers to switch to rival coffee shops.
• The new iced coffee blend is designed to be versatile, allowing customers to customize their drinks.
• Sweeteners are no longer automatically included, as many customers requested black coffee or less sweetness.
• Some customers expressed dissatisfaction on social media, stating they have stopped visiting Starbucks due to the new taste.
• Starbucks also announced a leadership change, with CEO Laxman Narasimhan resigning and Chipotle’s Brian Niccol taking over.
This recipe change matters because it highlights how crucial customer satisfaction is for brands. Loyal customers may switch to competitors if their favorite drinks change. Additionally, leadership transitions can impact a company's direction and customer experience. Starbucks needs to listen to feedback to maintain its loyal customer base.
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