These days the approach of fall is marked by the appearance of various pumpkin infused food and drink.  The USA Today talks about this craze and specifically “Pumpkinox” in this article.  Pumpkinox refers to the day on which Starbucks brings back their popular Pumpkin Spice Latte.  In an effort to beat Starbucks to market, Dunkin’ Donuts and others started offering their pumpkin-flavored treats one day earlier.

In Chapters 3 and 5 of Essentials of Marketing we talk about the impact social cultural trends and influences have on marketing.   In this case, Starbucks actually created a trend which is now shaping our beverage-drinking culture!