The Daily Dish: March 17, 2016

Today's first course?

The Starbucks Cherry Blossom Frappuccino Comes to the US for the First Time

Finally, a cherry blossom-flavored offering that's actually available in the United States. Starbucks has graced us with the introduction of its Cherry Blossom Frappuccino for the first time, but like the blooming of a real cherry blossom, the beverage will only be available for a limited time. The Frappuccino is now available at participating U.S. Starbucks stores through the first day of spring, which is March 20. It is described as "a blend of sweet strawberries and cream with white chocolate sauce and matcha drizzle, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha."

PepsiCo to Expand PepsiMoji Campaign

In an effort to get younger consumers more engaged in the Pepsi brand, the company has launched a PepsiMoji campaign to let the emojis do the talking. The company has created a unique set of emojis, which maintain the circular shape of the Pepsi icon and borrow from the blue, red, and white colors of the brand. Adweek reports that hundreds of designs have been created for global use and are tailored for local markets. The PepsiMojis will appear on products on shelves in the U.S. this summer. Beyond packaging, the campaign will also feature TV spots, a downloadable PepsiMoji keyboard, a fashion collaboration with acclaimed designer Jeremy Scott, and digital and social content.

KFC Becomes First American Fast Food Chain to Enter Tibet

Beating out industry giants like McDonald's and Taco Bell, KFC is now the first Western fast food company to open a branch in Tibet, the area between China and India that for decades has battled mainland China for its own sovereignty. Because restaurant items, including frozen chicken, must be flown in from a neighboring province, menu prices at the Tibet KFC are higher than those in mainland China. The new restaurant is expected to appeal to appeal to Western tourists, an estimated 30 million of whom will visit Tibet by 2020. The restaurant will employ an even number of local, ethnic Tibetans to non-Tibetans. 

That's today's Daily Dish, thanks for watching. Stop by tomorrow for another helping.