In yet another setback for its patrons and drink subscribers, Pret-a-Manger has announced that it will stop producing smoothies, frappes, and milkshakes.
Thousands of complaints about the lack of availability of the drinks included in the chain's £25 per month subscription service had previously been made.
The blended drinks, which can be more expensive and require more time to prepare, will now be completely phased out.
By the summer, iced drinks would take their place, according to Pret.
In what Pret referred to as "the biggest drinks innovation in more than five years," blenders were being phased out to make room for new ice machines.
Up until May 29, certain stores will still sell smoothies and frappes, according to the statement.
The chain's subscription service, which promised five drinks per day with 30 minutes between orders, debuted in the summer of 2020.
All varieties of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies, milkshakes, and frappes were offered, along with all of the extras like syrups, cream, and extra shots of caffeine.
The Advertising Standards Authority, however, received thousands of complaints about the dearth of cold, blended drinks, as the BBC reported the previous year.
We spoke to staff who admitted turning off machines because of the sheer pressure to serve huge queues of subscribers. The employees claimed they informed clients that the equipment was "broken," "we've run out," or "there haven't been any deliveries.".
Since employees have long complained that making smoothies takes too long, many establishments have gradually taken the blended cold drinks off the menu.
One employee told the BBC that providing smoothies—which require fruit juice and fruit—is much more expensive for the company and that making them takes time. There is far too much subscriber demand. The company will swap them out for iced drinks that aren't blended because they're quicker to make and less expensive. ".
Social media is flooded with complaints from customers about the cold drink component of the subscription being unavailable. The cold drinks will return in the summer, many local businesses have informed Charlotte from Brighton, and Thomas from London said he "wouldn't actually mind paying a smoothie supplement on my subscription if availability was better guaranteed.".
He said: "Despite admitting they served 600 a day, when I complained in the Great Peter Street branch, they muttered some nonsense about there 'not being the demand for them. Instead of telling all these lies, I wish they would be more honest.
We do change up our menu from time to time, and in order to make room for new things we sometimes have to say goodbye to others, as Fiona from Reading tweeted Pret about the lack of blended drinks. We'll make sure to make a good impression on our team because there's always a chance we might bring these back (especially if people ask). ".
Frappes and smoothies were originally going to be dropped from the subscription in 2021, but Pret changed its mind after hearing from the public, the company told the BBC. ".
But it appears that Pret has finally decided to remove all smoothies, frappes, and milkshakes from their subscription model, despite the demand.
The company told the BBC: "Pret is starting to install new ice machines in its UK shops, removing blenders to make way for them. This is to get shops ready for the new range. Till May 29, some stores will still sell smoothies and frappes.
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