Jill Park: The red cups are back

This made me ponder. It’s not often that a store advertises the packaging as opposed to the product it holds. But then the world of hot drinks is a grey area. Like perfume, the pack has become a selling point in itself. You could even call it a status symbol.

I must admit. I have a secret love of the takeaway cups with their own little corrugated holder. Perhaps due to my other love, American TV where characters are regularly sipping from monster cups in an autumnal Central Park in New York. It’s surprising how a red cup can whisk me away from an overcast west London.

Unsurprisingly, Starbucks stick with an American theme in their Christmas drinks too, the delights on offer this year include Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Latte and even the Toffee Nut Latte. Their whipped cream toppings are all offset by the deep red cups.

But, it seems another high street coffee chain has jumped on the bandwagon with Caffè Nero running its own line of Christmas cups. These, however, are still their trademark blue, but have the image of a ribbon wrapped around them for festive effect.

In light of this, could there be an opportunity for further cup-stomisation? Robert Wiseman, the dairy, has previously celebrated Halloween with themed packs and featured charities on its packs. Maybe this could translate to coffee cups. Valentine Strawberry Latte anyone?

So back to the afternoon run to Starbucks. Gingerbread latte, check; cream check; sprinkles on top, check; red cup, check. All I need now is a roaring fire and Nat King Cole playing in the background and it will be a perfect Starbucks Christmas.

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