Fast-food restaurant operator Yum China has partnered with Italian coffee company Lavazza to open their first flagship store in Shanghai, China.
The joint venture will help to explore and develop the Lavazza coffee shop concept – which will mark the first store outside of Italy.
“We see great potential for coffee in China and Lavazza shares this enthusiasm,” said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. “Leveraging our deep understanding of Chinese consumers, we look forward to working together with Lavazza to explore the coffee market in China.
“China is an important market with huge untapped potential for coffee consumption. We have been searching for the right opportunities to establish Lavazza in China and Asia, and this partnership is an important first step,” he said.
Antonio Baravalle, CEO of Lavazza Group said: “We are honoured to join forces with Yum China, a prestigious partner with in-depth knowledge of the market and the needs of Chinese consumers.
“China is an important market with huge untapped potential for coffee consumption. We have been searching for the right opportunities to establish Lavazza in China and Asia, and this partnership is an important first step.”
A 125-year-old family-run company, Lavazza offers premium brand coffee products and already has a strong presence in Asia at the retail level.
Lavazza’s Bel Paese Coffee is a new offering for the China market, an exclusive line-up of tastes from different regions of Italy, including historic espresso recipes and local interpretation.
The company has also developed a range of ‘Coffee Design’ products that are available at the Shanghai flagship store, alongside a food menu that was created by a Michelin-starred chef to provide authentic Italian street food.
Source: Foodbev.com
