Pennsylvania Coffee Company Claims to Invent Pumpkin Spice Coffee Before Starbucks

Years before Starbucks introduced the iconic pumpkin spice latte, a small family-owned coffee company in Pennsylvania claims to have rolled out a predecessor.
Developing the Trend
Randy Fasig, the owner of Fasig's Coffee in Allentown, shared that they were the pioneers of pumpkin spice coffee. According to a 1998 mention in the Morning Call newspaper, Fasig's pumpkin spice coffee was one of the earliest references found, predating Starbucks' version by several years.
Diving into Flavors
Fasig's coffee company, known for roasting a million pounds of coffee annually, dived into the flavored coffee trend in the 1990s, introducing over 70 unique flavors like cinnamon, amaretto, and chocolate hazelnut.
Innovative Flavor Development
The company collaborated with flavor houses to create various pumpkin spice recipes. FlavorSum, a well-known flavor house, shared insights into their pumpkin spice variations tailored for different products like baked goods, beer, and coffee.
Historical Roots
Food historians trace the origins of pumpkin spice back to a recipe in the first American cookbook published in 1796 by Amelia Simmons. Moreover, the Middle East has a long history of flavored coffee, influencing the modern trends seen in the market.
Legacy and Evolution
Despite Starbucks' massive success with the pumpkin spice latte, Fasig's Coffee still offers its original pumpkin spice coffee online. While the business has evolved over the years, the founder, Randy Fasig, remains passionate about the world of coffee.
Final Thoughts
As pumpkin spice continues to dominate the market, Pennsylvania's Fasig's Coffee takes pride in its early contribution to the trend. While the coffee industry has witnessed significant evolution, the essence of unique flavors and innovative blends remains at the heart of the business.