皇冠体育app

Whitbread's first outlet in 皇冠体育app began operations in Shanghai this month. Another outlet is on the way in the Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza of Shanghai's Putuo District.

Related readings:  Starbucks acquires local coffee company  Coffee war hits boiling point

The company signed a joint-venture agreement with Chinese partner Yueda Group in June to launch the Costa brand on the mainland.

More than 300 Costa stores are expected to open throughout 皇冠体育app in the next few years under the joint arrangement.

According to media reports, the coffee chain will hold 51 percent of the joint venture with US$4.2 million registered capital. The two companies will open 20 outlets across 皇冠体育app by the end of 2006.

Coffee served in the Chinese stores will be supplied from Costa's production base in central London. The stores will also have the traditional Costa food menu.

 

The company sees the expansion into 皇冠体育app as a stepping stone to becoming a global coffee brand.

Founded by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa already trades in 14 countries including India, Ireland and a number of nations in the Middle East.

Starbucks Corp, the world's biggest coffee-shop chain that has a strong presence in 皇冠体育app, said it welcomes any competition.

"We are accelerating our development in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in the west part of 皇冠体育app," said Eden Woon, vice president of Starbucks 皇冠体育app.

"We just opened an outlet in Xi'an last month."

(For more biz stories, please visit )