Starbucks' Watermelon Mug Unrelated to Israel-Palestine Conflict, Company Clarifies

The mug, part of Starbucks' UK summer collection, was launched in May 2023, predating the ongoing conflict.

Starbucks' watermelon mug, which has been falsely linked to the Israel-Palestine conflict, was actually part of the company's UK summer collection launched in May 2023, months before the conflict began.
The watermelon mug has been falsely claimed to be a show of support for Palestine, as the fruit is symbolic of the Palestinian flag and has been used as a symbol of solidarity for Palestine since 1967.
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson clarified that the mug has no ties to the ongoing conflict and was only available in parts of Europe, especially the United Kingdom.
Despite the mug's release predating the conflict, images of the mug have sparked outrage online, with netizens claiming that Starbucks wanted to extend their solidarity for Palestine as opposed to their previous support for Israel.
Starbucks has faced a social media boycott following a pro-Palestinian message posted by the Starbucks Workers United Union, which is not affiliated with the company's management. The company has since distanced itself from the Union's post.