Hong Kong (CNN Business) Starbucks is having to defend its marketing strategy in China — and all because of a cat cup. The company released a limited edition "Cat Paw Cup" in China this week, a double-walled tumbler with an interior shaped like a cat's paw. Starbucks SBUX The cute cups became such a hot property that Chinese internet users and state media began suggesting thatwas trying to artificially drive up demand. In a social media post, the company denied the claims and said it would sell all the remaining cups in a single online sale Friday. The episode shows the tricky balancing act brands face when they try to generate buzz with a marketing stunt.

Source: CNN March 01, 2019 11:48 UTC