Pumpkin Spice Season Is Being Ruined By Climate Change | Eater

"Responsible for popularizing pumpkin spice, the company created the pumpkin spice latte (PSL) in 2003 to answer what an espresso version of fall’s most seasonal dessert would taste like and celebrated the drink’s 20th anniversary this year. It has steadily moved the seasonal launch earlier — from an October debut in 2003 to a September 8 start by 2015 and August launches since 2018 — releasing the PSL on August 24 this year. Facing warmer autumns and strong demand for cold options, it has expanded fall offerings to include iced items such as the pumpkin cream cold brew and the iced apple crisp oat milk shaken espresso (iced beverages make up a vast majority of its beverage sales). The brand’s early rollouts and seasonal marketing have prompted discussion about the mismatch between autumnal imagery and unseasonably warm weather, and the company continues to face scrutiny over its labor-relations tactics." - Jaya Saxena