Pret scraps smoothies and frappes in overhaul of ice drinks range

theguardian.com:

Pret a Manger has announced it will stop making smoothies and frappes, with an expanded iced drinks range being introduced from April.

The blended drinks, which can be more expensive and take longer to make, will be phased out altogether. Smoothies and frappes will still be available in select shops until 29 May.

Blenders have started to be removed from its UK stores to make way for new ice machines, which the chain has described as the “biggest drinks innovation in more than five years” featuring an expanded range of iced coffees and teas.

The full range will be available in more than 90% of shops and be included as part of Pret’s coffee subscription.

A Pret spokesperson: “We know that Pret customers are huge fans of iced coffees and drinks, so over the next few months we’ll be increasing their availability across more Pret locations with new ice machines installed across our shops.

“We will also be replacing our current range of frappes and smoothies from April, and bringing in a bigger range of iced drinks to choose from.

The chain previously received thousands of complaints that not all drinks included in its subscription service were available. The chain’s promotion, which increased from £20 a month to £25 last year, promised five barista-made drinks a day with 30 minutes between each order.

It included all coffees, teas, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies, milkshakes and frappes including all extras such as syrups, cream and extra shots of caffeine. Due to availability, however, there was a lack of cold, blended drinks.

In 2021, the Advertising Standards Authority advised the coffee and sandwich chain to rethink how it advertises the subscription service.

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