You might be disappointed about not getting your favorite iced coffee at Starbucks and thinking about why this item on the menu is out of stock.
Here are some reasons behind iced coffee shortages at Starbucks:
- Supply chain disturbance.
- Climate change affects coffee bean production.
- Under supply of packaging material, e.g., plastic lids, glass bottles, etc.,
- Shortage of iced coffee ingredients.
- Sudden high demand.
To make you well aware, we have discussed why is Starbucks iced coffee out of stock because it can be annoying to miss your favorite drink on a hot summery day.
Reasons Behind Starbucks Iced Coffee Shortages
Starbucks is always a busy spot and heaven for coffee lovers as they have 35+ iced coffees on their official menu, so catering and fulfilling the demand and ingredients has become difficult for them.
There are several reasons for iced coffee shortages at Starbucks; let’s discuss them individually.
1. Supply Chain Disturbance Due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the world supply chain, including coffee beans. The outbreak has led to widespread transport disruption, making it difficult for Starbucks to source products from the vendors.
Since the company gets coffee grounds from different countries, many of which were affected by lockdowns and other restrictions, this reduced farmers’ ability to harvest and process coffee beans.
Starbucks generally sources its coffee beans from more than 30 countries, including Latin America, the Asia-Pacific region, and Africa.
2. Climate Change Affects Coffee Bean Production
Climate change is another reason behind iced coffee shortages at Starbucks, as it can affect coffee beans production.
The rise in temperature and change in weather impact crop yields. For example, lousy forecast conditions, such as droughts and floods, can damage or destroy coffee crops and decrease the supply.
The company sources its coffee beans from various countries and regions. So, it’s hard to say how exactly climate change affects the availability of Starbucks iced coffee.
Starbucks uses Arbacia coffee beans which thrive at the altitude of 3000 to 6000 feet above sea level; the weather at such elevation is usually unpredictable.
3. Packaging Material Deficiency
Starbucks relies on its vendors; the company doesn’t manufacture the cutlery and packaging material, and this dependency sometimes makes the iced coffee out of stock.
Starbucks usually serves iced coffee in plastic cups and glass bottles with plastic straws; if these utensils miss out, the item may become unavailable.
The deficiency of packaging material occurs due to the following:
- Mismanagement of inventory staff.
- Issues with the vendor.
- Supply chain disturbance, e.g., storage of raw material.
Two hundred fifty thousand cases of beverage spoilage were reported due to inadequate seals in 2021 since Pepsico Inc. is the supplier of packaging materials to Starbucks.
4. Shortage of Iced Coffee Ingredients
Starbucks Iced Coffee is made with high-quality arabica coffee beans and cold water. This brew is flash-chilled immediately after brewing, which locks in the coffee’s flavor and aroma.
The iced coffee is then served over ice and can be customized with various syrups, kinds of milk, and other ingredients to suit personal taste preferences.
Some of the most common ingredients include coffee Beans, water, ice, milk, flavored syrups, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, etc., and If any of them go out of stock, Starbucks needs to shut down their iced coffee from the menu.
Starbucks focuses on expanding its menu and adding more variety and customization options to its drinks instead of becoming independent in producing coffee beans and other utensils.
5. Sudden High Demand
Sudden high demand due to some event or change in the weather can become the reason for the iced coffee shortage at Starbucks.
In the United States, people like to have a cold coffee on a sunny day to enjoy the cozy vibes.
Moreover, a special event or holiday, such as a concert or a gathering, can also lead to a spike in demand for iced coffee.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve talked about why is Starbucks iced coffee out of stock, including some interesting facts about the production and consumption of coffee beans.
Try to get to the Starbucks store as earlier as possible if you want to get a cup of iced coffee on a sunny day because you are not the only fan of their cold drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Starbucks Getting Rid of Plastic Cups?
Starbucks is removing plastic packaging materials such as cups, straws, and bottles to make its products sustainable for the environment and cater to shortages.
How Long Will the Iced Coffee Shortage Last at Starbucks?
It is unclear how long the iced coffee shortage will last at Starbucks, as it depends on the multiple causes, including deficiency of packaging material and coffee beans, and how quickly Starbucks works on resolving them.
Will the Prices of Iced Coffee at Starbucks Change Due to the Shortage?
Starbucks has increased its iced coffee prices from $0.30 – $0.70 per item in 2022 compared to the previous year, and it will not be surprising if they keep making it costly for the consumer.
