Starbucks faces another ‘War on Christmas’ backlash by introducing ‘offensive’ new ‘Merry Coffee’ cups
STARBUCKS has faced criticism after releasing limited edition cups for the festive season wishing customers only a "Merry Coffee".
Every year, the coffee giant marks the Christmas period with a limited line of drinks, cups, and offers.
This year's release included five seasonal beverages, four new designs, and one free reusable cup.
But the cup designs have been criticised by social media users because the word "Christmas" does not appear on them.
Two of the four include the phrase "Merry Coffee", while the words "We wish you a Merry Coffee" also appear on a redesigned cup sleeve.
One user described the phrase "the silliest slogan I have ever heard".
"Multi-billion dollar corporation and they came up with Merry Coffee. Wow," said another.
New York magazine said it was "almost offensive how inoffensive" the cups were.
Starbucks has faced criticism for its Christmas cups in the past.
In 2015, the company released plain red cups decorated only with its logo, prompting Arizona evangelist Joshua Feuerstein to accuse it of "hating Jesus".
In 2016, near the end of a fraught presidential campaign, it released the green "Symbol of Unity" cup, featuring people from different corners of society standing side-by-side.
'FUN AND FESTIVE'
Other users reacted positively to Starbucks's 2019 line.
"I mean...for a company that has been dragged for these cups in the past, they're not afraid to keep on trying it," said one.
"Really gonna wake up at 5am to go to Starbucks for a free reusable cup that says 'merry coffee' on it," said another.
A spokesperson for the company told that the slogan was not an attempt to avoid using the word Christmas.
"During the holidays, Starbucks aspires to spark mini moments of joy in our customers when they visit our stores, making their day even more cheerful and bright," the spokesperson said.
"'Merry coffee' is a fun and festive expression that we hope our customers feel as they take the very first sip of their favourite Starbucks holiday beverage."
"We honour the Christmas season each year in a variety of ways including the return of customer-favourite Starbucks Christmas Blend, back for its 35th holiday season, Starbucks partners proudly wear their red aprons, holiday music is heard in stores and holiday gifts and Starbucks Cards line our shelves."
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The spokesperson also pointed out that the company offers a "Christmas blend" coffee, and that stores are to be decorated with Christmas colours and candy cane ribbon.
Starbucks's new menu and festive cups are now available in UK stores.
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