# Caffeinated Blossom Beverages Starbucks Japan is Introducing a Seasonal Sakura Chocolate Latte By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-02-04 | World Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/02/01/starbucks-japans-sakura-drinks-one-more-reason-were-ready-for-winter-to-be-over/) & [starbucks.co.jp](http://www.starbucks.co.jp/press_release/pr2013-913.php) To celebrate the coming of spring, [Starbucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-frappuccino) Japan introduced a new seasonal sakura chocolate latte. The new Starbucks drink takes inspiration from a popular dessert eaten on [Girl's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girl-camper)/Doll's Day in Japan, called the sakura mocha. This beverage version is just as pink and made with a white hot chocolate base, real leaves and flowers from a sakura tree. To garnish, Starbucks Japan tops off the sakura chocolate latte with strawberry-flavored whipped cream and bits of candy. The beverage is available in both hot or cold versions and will be offered for a limited time between February 15th and March 18th of this year. [Sakura](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-cassis-strawberry-shiratama-frappuccino) trees won't be blooming in Japan until about April, but the sakura chocolate lattes will surely be enough to tide people over until the arrival of spring. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Regional](https://www.trendhunter.com/regional) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Seasonal Beverage Trends:** Innovative flavors and ingredients inspired by special occasions are a promising trend in the beverage industry. - **Plant-based Garnishing Trends:** The use of real leaves and flowers as toppings presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to create vegan-friendly, visually appealing drinks. - **Limited-time Offer Trends:** Creating buzz with exclusive and time-limited products is a trend that businesses across industries can benefit from, especially in the food and beverage industry. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage Industry:** Innovative and visually appealing drinks inspired by special occasions can attract and engage customers and increase sales. - **Hospitality Industry:** Limited-time offers and seasonal beverages can drive traffic to venues and create a unique experience for customers. - **Retail Industry:** Partnering with food and beverage businesses to offer exclusive and limited-time products can create a sense of urgency and increase foot traffic to retail stores. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Florally Peachy Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-frappuccino.md) - [Creamy Cherry Blossom Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-dessert-drink.md) - [Refined Cherry Blossom Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanami-drinks.md) - [Springtime-Themed Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berry-berry-sakura-milk.md) - [Macaron-Topped Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-saku-saku-matcha-frappuccino.md) - [Floral Cafe Dessert Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-cherry-blossom-collection.md) - [Seasonal Mochi Ball Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hanami-dango-frappuccino.md) - [Pink Cherry Blossom Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolixer-cherry-blossom-full-bloom.md) - [Cherry Blossom Season Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakura-to-tenku-no-matcha-wa-chocolat-drink.md)