Dunkin’ is changing how they make—and serve—their lattes

New and improved Dunkin' Lattes!

BIG NEWS for Latte Fans! (I don't drink 'em, I just like plain black Dunkin' Donuts coffee, thank
you). But  Dunkin’ is changing how they make—and serve—their lattes “There’s no reason to go to Starbucks anymore."

By

Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston Globe

 

Not content with just “coffee regular” drinkers, Dunkin’ wants to win over more customers with their espresso.

A month after officially shortening its name, the Canton-based coffee chain announced what it calls “one of the most significant product initiatives in the brand’s recent history.” In a press release Wednesday, the company said it plans to install new espresso machines in stores across the United States to improve the taste of its lattes and other espresso beverages.

The initiative also includes a new espresso recipe, extensive employee training, and new, distinct orange cups featuring an exclamation point for their hot espresso-based drinks. Dunkin’ says they’re hoping for the changes to be implemented at the “vast majority” of their 9,200 U.S. stores by the holiday season (some self-serve and non-traditional locations, like in hotels or sporting arenas, will not have espresso on the menu, the company told Boston.com in a statement).

“There’s no reason to go to Starbucks anymore,” Tony Weisman, Dunkin’s chief marketing officer, told the paper.

In the company’s press release, it says the new machines should result in a stronger and more robust espresso flavor, particularly catered toward the tastes of “younger espresso drinkers.”
“Espresso is one of the fastest growing coffee categories, particularly among younger consumers, and with our coffee credentials we believe we have a tremendous opportunity to improve our awareness and credibility among espresso drinkers,” Weisman said in a statement Wednesday.

Over the last few years, Dunkin’ has expanded their espresso menu to include not just lattes and cappuccinos, but also macchiatos and Americanos. Following in the vein of Starbucks, the historically blue-collar company has also added dark roast and cold brew coffee and premium teas to its drink menu, while pairing down its food offerings. The changes, which even extend to the design of Dunkin’ stores, have been led by the company’s new CEO, David Hoffmann.