Nov. 12--It's the coffee controversy that wouldn't die.
The "brewhaha" over the lack of a Christmas theme in Starbucks' new holiday cups caused a swift and fierce social media response earlier this week, both by consumers who wanted to see more holiday symbols on the cup and others who questioned why it led to such a stir. #RedCups was soon trending on Twitter, as well as #ItsJustACup.
Then Dunkin' Donuts decided to ride the wave. The company posted a picture of a holiday-themed cup on Instagram, featuring the word "Joy" surrounded by a wreath. Many commenters applauded the cups, while a handful also called it a nice dig at Starbucks. Dunkin' didn't address the controversy directly.
Faith Driven Consumer, an organization that ranks companies on a "Faith Equality Index" according to criteria like public support for religious freedom and pro-life views, issued a statement supporting the move by Dunkin' Donuts and encouraging consumers to patronize stores with higher rankings on its index. Starbucks has an index rating of 27. Dunkin' has a rating of 42.
"Brands are in a race to attract consumers and earn their business this Christmas. Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts are both free to design their cups and express their values as they see fit. By creating cups that specifically message the Joy of the Christmas Season -- in sharp contrast to Starbucks' 'blank canvas' -- Dunkin' Donuts has specifically welcomed Faith Driven Consumers, and all Americans who love Christmas," Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, said in a statement.
Most local Chicago coffee chains, including Dollop and Intelligentsia, don't offer different holiday cups.
Peet's holiday cups feature multicolored snowflakes. A Peet's spokeswoman wasn't immediately available to comment on the backlash.
sbomkamp@tribpub.com
