The Punk-Inspired Slurpee: A Celebration of Rock Culture
7-Eleven, Inc. has once again turned the flavor dial all the way up by collaborating with the legendary punk band Green Day and their brand Punk Bunny to launch a brand new Slurpee flavor:
Kerplunk Kandy Grape. This innovative drink is not just another addition to the Slurpee lineup but a tribute to Green Day's 1992 album "Kerplunk!". The flavor masterfully combines the sweetness of cotton candy with a punch of juicy grape, creating an exciting drink that echoes the vibrant essence of punk rock.
The Kerplunk Kandy Grape Slurpee will debut at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations across the nation for a limited time. This launch builds on the previous collaboration with Punk Bunny, which saw the debut of unique coffee flavors at 7-Eleven last year. With names like
Mike Dirnt’s Turn Up the Bass Medium Roast,
Punk Bunny Cold Brew Caramel Latte, and
Chocolate Almond Specialty Latte, the coffee offerings created quite a stir among fans of both coffee and music.
What makes the Kerplunk Kandy Grape so special? It's not just the flavor; it's the inspiration behind it. As Billie Joe Armstrong, the frontman of Green Day, puts it, "I have great memories of getting Slurpee drinks with my friends. It's always perfect on a good day or even a bad one." He emphasizes the nostalgic connection and excitement of introducing a flavor that they feel proud to share with fans across the country. This Slurpee flavor channels the band’s spirit and gives fans a taste of their rock culture in a fun and refreshing way.
In a move to enhance the experience, select stores will offer unique drink accessories to go along with the new Slurpee flavor. Fans can get their hands on limited-edition collectible cups, and even custom straws that come equipped with Bluetooth speakers. These straws allow fans to turn every sip into a mini jam session, complete with a specially curated Spotify playlist linked via a QR code on each cup, crafted by none other than Green Day.
To celebrate the release of the Kerplunk Kandy Grape Slurpee, there will be a special event in Los Angeles at the
Kerplunk Kandy Speakeasy on May 3 and 4. Fans who purchase the Slurpee can use their cup or receipt as a ticket to this pop-up experience, where they can enjoy samples of the new products alongside free customization of apparel and exclusive merchandise. The first 100 fans each day will even be rewarded with free items to personalize, such as t-shirts, tote bags, and hats.
The collaboration extends beyond just drinks; it's a cultural experience that merges music and convenience. Marissa Jarratt, 7-Eleven's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Sustainability Officer, stated, "Our first launch with Green Day and Punk Bunny excited customers because they loved the unique crossover of music and coffee culture. Now, incorporating that same punk spirit into our iconic Slurpee is thrilling."
Despite its branding and promotion, the partnership between 7-Eleven and Green Day goes deeper into shared values, particularly in promoting sustainability through Punk Bunny. This initiative includes support for charitable causes, indicating a commitment that resonates with fans and consumers alike. Each purchase of Punk Bunny’s coffee contributes to various charities, showcasing a business model that aims to give back to the community.
7-Eleven itself is a figurehead in the U.S. convenience retailing industry, boasting over 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and has become synonymous with bold flavors and innovative drinks like Slurpees. Meanwhile, Green Day continues to be a major force in the music industry, known for their expansive influence and memorable hits that have defined generations.
In conclusion, the new
Kerplunk Kandy Grape Slurpee is more than just a flavorful drink; it represents a fusion of rock and retail, nostalgia and innovation, and community engagement. Make sure to catch this limited-time offering at participating stores and join in on the punk celebration that 7-Eleven and Green Day have crafted for their fans.