Starbucks: bean to cup in China
Starbucks has opened the China Coffee Innovation Park (CIP), its first “bean-to-cup” market. The company has invested around GBP 220 million in the project.
Located in the city of Kunshan, an hour from Shanghai, the 80,000 sqm CIP features a roasting plant using energy efficient technology, an integrated distribution centre, and an immersive experience centre. It will be able to supply all Starbucks coffee locations in China.
As a highly automated distribution facility, the centre uses advanced automation technologies to handle over 90% of volume. Around 20% of the energy needs will be provided by 26,000 sqm of solar panels.
Starbucks currently has more than 6,500 stores in over 250 Chinese cities. It aims to operate 9,000 stores in 300 Chinese cities by 2025, with a planned investment of over USD 450 million. (mk)