Supply Chain Research

Starbucks and other drinks retailers are looking to expand fall sales by extending the range of “pumpkin spice” products on offer, USA Today reports. The seasonal sales of coffee beverages including pumpkin flavoring has picked up steadily over the past three years. While August represents the peak import month there has already been a 57.8% surge in shipments vs. a year earlier in the three months to July 31, Panjiva data shows.

Chart shows U.S. seaborne imports related to “pumpkin spice” products. Lower panel indicates change vs. a year earlier.   Source: Panjiva

The majority of shipments relate to pumpkin spice tie-ins including ceramics (41.4% of total imports in the May 2017 to July 2018 period) and candles (35.4%) with major supplier nations including China (52.3%) and Vietnam (25.8%). So far those products have yet to be disrupted by existing or planned duties being applied by the Trump administration against Chinese exports, as outlined in Panjiva research of July 11.

Chart segments U.S. seaborne imports related to “pumpkin spice” by product (3406 = candles, 69* = ceramics).   Source: Panjiva