Construction begins on ‘next generation’ facility that raises the bar for manufacturing and supply chain sustainability, use of smart technologies and immersive visitor experience

core/paragraph

Company increases project investment to US$150 million, reinforcing long term commitment to the market

Starbucks today marked the groundbreaking of its China Coffee Innovation Park (CIP), with the unveiling of a bold vision to set a premier model for China’s specialty coffee industry. When operational in summer 2022, the 80,000m2 CIP will feature one of the first sustainable roasting plants in Starbucks global network, smart supply chain operations enabled by state-of-the-art technologies, and an immersive Experience Center that will showcase sustainable practices across the ‘Bean to Cup’ coffee journey to all visitors. In addition, Starbucks also raised its total investment in the project to US$150 million.

“In designing the Coffee Innovation Park, we challenged ourselves to create a ‘next-generation’ facility that transcends notions of a manufacturing site for Starbucks. Our ambition is for the CIP to serve as a premier model that sets new standards in environmental sustainability, technological innovation, as well as partner (employee) and visitor experience,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “We hope our efforts will also serve to inspire the industry, and members of the public, to each do our part towards realizing a greener future.”

First announced in March, the CIP is Starbucks largest manufacturing investment outside of the U.S. and its first in Asia.&nbsp; Located in the city of Kunshan, an hour from Shanghai, it will source coffees from China and around the world directly from origin for processing, roasting, packaging and distribution, for the first time in China. The facility will serve as a key node in Starbucks global roasting network, further deepening Starbucks commitment to elevate specialty coffee in the Chinese market. &nbsp;Currently, Starbucks operates six other roasting plants—one in Amsterdam to support European markets, and five in the U.S.

Starbucks Most Sustainable Manufacturing Facility

core/heading

When completed, the CIP will be one of the most sustainable manufacturing facilities for Starbucks globally, designed based on guidelines from the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards as well as China’s Three Star Green Building standards for carbon emissions, energy use and waste.

The energy-efficient roasting technology at the CIP will reduce carbon emissions by over 30 per cent compared to Starbucks conventional roasting technology. In addition, up to 30 per cent of expected energy consumption will be generated through renewable sources, including from over 20,000 square meters of solar panels (equivalent to the size of 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools) that will be installed onsite. The facility will also strive to achieve zero waste to landfill through a combination of on-site and off-site recycling.

Sustainability will be incorporated holistically into every aspect of the CIP’s design and construction, from the use of energy efficient lighting and heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, to landscaping that requires minimal irrigation.

Smart Supply Chain Operations

The CIP will also feature cutting edge technologies that maximize manufacturing productivity. Smart manufacturing technologies will enable advanced data collection and analysis including predictive maintenance. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will be embedded in devices throughout the CIP, to manage onsite vehicle traffic among other purposes. Meanwhile, the CIP’s Integrated Distribution Center will incorporate a fully-automated storage and retrieval system that is designed to take up four times less space compared to conventional storage systems.

Immersive ‘Bean-to-Cup’ Coffee Journey

The CIP will also stand out from conventional manufacturing facilities by featuring an Experience Journey that provides a seamless showcase of sustainable practices at every chapter of the ‘Bean-to-Cup’ coffee story. Site visitors will learn about sustainable manufacturing and supply chain up close, while other stages of coffee production such as<a> </a>sustainable farming practices will be brought to life vividly via virtual reality technologies. The Experience Journey will be open to the public, so that more people can learn about sustainability, and be inspired to do their part to support plant-positive industries and lead eco-friendlier lifestyles.

The CIP marks another step forward in Starbucks long term progress towards its bold aspiration to become a planet positive company that gives more than it takes from the planet. Last year, Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2018/starbucks-to-eliminate-plastic-straws-globally-by-2020/">eliminated plastic straws</a> from all of its stores in the Chinese mainland, saving about 200 tons of plastic waste annually. In April, the company launched a new <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-expands-plant-based-ingredients-and-products-in-china/">plant-based food and beverage menu</a>, as part of its efforts to inspire Chinese customers to explore new lifestyles with the planet in mind.

The facility is also the latest of Starbucks investments in building the different pillars of the specialty coffee industry since entering the Chinese mainland market in 1999. Over the past two decades, Starbucks has created tens of thousands of job opportunities and trained qualified baristas and coffee professionals, while investing in cultivating the consumer market. The company has also been operating the Starbucks Yunnan Farmer Support Center since 2012, to provide open‐source agronomy resources to local coffee farmers. Starbucks now operate over 4,700 stores across more than 190 cities in the market, where a new Starbucks store opens every 15 hours.

Starbucks Unveils Bold Vision for China Coffee Innovation Park : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Unveils Bold Vision for China Coffee Innovation Park

Starbucks today marked the groundbreaking of its China Coffee Innovation Park (CIP), with the unveiling of a bold vision to set a premier model for China’s specialty coffee industry.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-unveils-bold-vision-for-china-coffee-innovation-park/

twitter:card

twitter:description

twitter:title

core/separator

Opened on September 4, 2020, Starbucks newest Signing Store in Beijing, China, is the second in the market and sixth for the company globally.

Around the world, Starbucks Signing Stores expand career and leadership opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing partners. The stores are enduring symbols of Starbucks global commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and serve as hubs for Deaf culture in the communities they operate in. As part of this mission, the Beijing Signing Store will host sign language lessons and regular coffee workshops in sign language.

Here are stories from three partners at the new Beijing Signing Store:

Favorite Starbucks® drink: Sumatra

Prior to joining Starbucks, Ring was an IT worker and 4D modeler. He resigned from his previous job to pursue a career that would give him more opportunities to communicate with others. When he talks about his future plans, he says he'd like to become a shift supervisor.

starbucks-blocks/pull-quote-image

Favorite Starbucks® drink: Latte

"Her smile stood out from the first moment,” said Jasmin, the store manager of Beijing Signing Store.

With a smile and a handwriting pad, Qiuyue says: “I love this store because not only can I learn about coffee, but also meet new friends.” Qiuyue is full of confidence to her future.

Favorite Starbucks® drink: Pour-over Coffee

A partner for nearly a year, Rain loves dancing and has lots of experiences being on stage. His passion for connecting with others led him to join Starbucks, where he worked tirelessly to become a master barista and share his love of coffee with his partners and customers.

When he heard about the launch of the Signing Store in Beijing, Rain was very excited and eager to apply to join the team.

Starbucks has also started a long-term partnership with the Beijing Disabled Persons’ Federation to help create more career development opportunities for members of the city’s Deaf and hard of hearing community, including employment counselling, job skills training and other career support.

For customers, the Signing Store offers a unique ordering experience, including two-way digital displays to show orders and customization details to both partner and customer simultaneously, and an electronic screen above the bar which displays order status. Every beverage and food item in the menu is numbered, making ordering more convenient. Customers may also make orders by writing on a tablet.

Partner at new Beijing Signing Store presents handcrafted beverage

New Beijing Signing Store shares love for coffee and connection : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2020/09/Ring-CHEN_3.jpg

New Beijing Signing Store shares love for coffee and connection

Starbucks newest Signing Store in Beijing, China, is the second in the market and sixth for the company globally.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/new-beijing-signing-store-shares-love-for-coffee-and-connection/

twitter:image

Starbucks is joining forces with plant-based innovators in China, Beyond Meat and Oatly, to continue its strategic focus on expanding plant-based ingredients and products. Starting today, Starbucks stores across China will offer a new plant-based food and beverage menu, as well as new merchandise made from recycled content.<a> </a>The new plant-based platform in China marks another step towards Starbucks global aspiration to become a resource positive company, giving more than it takes from the planet.

“Starbucks is thrilled to partner with Beyond Meat to provide even more choices to consumers through innovative new plant-based offerings. Our new menu items make it easy and enjoyable to explore new lifestyles, starting from what we eat and drink. Through our new plant-based platform, we seek to inspire new routines by inviting everyone to eat good, feel good and do good. Together, we can take a small, humble step to make a better world,” said Leo Tsoi, senior vice president, chief operating officer and president, Starbucks China Retail.

As a leading innovator in the industry, Starbucks is committed to constantly reimagining its menu to offer a range of food and beverage choices for customers. The company also continues to explore creative new solutions with customers beyond its menu to create a positive impact on the environment and support their lifestyles.

Reimagining a core food menu built on plant-based ingredients

Starbucks is working with Beyond Meat as part of its entry into the Chinese mainland. Culinary experts from Starbucks used plant-based Beyond Beef™ to create three delicious new dishes inspired by modern, international favorites and designed with the palates of Chinese consumers in mind. Available in most Starbucks stores across the Chinese mainland from April 22, the new food menu includes:

core/list

core/gallery

“Today we mark an important milestone as Beyond Meat launches in China, advancing our goal of increasing accessibility to plant-based protein globally. Starbucks is a trusted brand with a strong market presence and deep understanding of customers in China, and we’re pleased to partner with them on our market entry. We believe the new Beyond Beef menu items deliver on our promise of enabling consumers to Eat What You Love™ while also enjoying the nutritional and environmental benefits of plant-based protein,” said Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat, Inc. Founder and CEO. “We are proud to support Starbucks in furthering their efforts around health and sustainability while offering Chinese consumers more diverse protein options.” 

Additionally, Starbucks is partnering with OmniPork to offer two more tasty dishes featuring a plant-based protein that pairs well with Asian dishes:

Packaging for the new menu items is made from plant-based material which have received OK Compost HOME and INDUSTRIAL certifications, two widely recognized international standards. Products also feature a thoughtfully-designed sleeve made from recycled from milk cartons which opens up to form a meal mat, reducing the need for cleaning up. A handle is integrated into the packaging design to remove any need for secondary packaging.

Expanding non-dairy choices with oatmilk

Starbucks is also introducing oatmilk to the core beverage menu in all stores across China with Oatly. Customers at all Starbucks stores across the Chinese mainland may now customize their favorite Starbucks® beverages with oatmilk. The smooth and mellow texture of oatmilk pairs perfectly with the Starbucks signature espresso, accentuating its full-bodied taste and velvety microfoam.

In addition to the new customization choices, Starbucks has created oatmilk versions of two signature Starbucks® beverages, as well as a special limited time offer beverage. Available in all Starbucks stores across the Chinese mainland from April 22, the new beverages include:

Starbucks has offered soymilk in China since 2007, and the introduction of oatmilk provides customers another unique way to customize their Starbucks Experience.

“It’s a significant step for the growing plant based movement that Starbucks customers in China can now enjoy their favorite beverage with Oatly,” said Toni Petersson, Global CEO of Oatly, the original oatmilk brand from Sweden. “Oatly pairs extremely well with espresso and creates a wonderfully dense and creamy foam for lattes.”

Inspiring sustainable lifestyles

Starbucks has also launched a line of stylish and creative merchandise that can be woven into customers’ everyday lifestyles. This includes tumblers and notebooks that are made with recycled coffee grounds collected from Starbucks stores. The coffee grounds are processed and mixed with polypropene to form an industrial grade material with over 30 percent recycled coffee ground content, which can potentially be used to manufacture a variety of lifestyle items. To further bring this new approach to sustainability to life in Starbucks cafes, furniture made from this material will be rolled out into stores in the near future.

Building on Starbucks global sustainability commitments

The new platform marks the latest chapter in Starbucks sustainability commitment announced <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment/">earlier this year</a>. As part of this commitment, the company announced <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-coffee-innovation-park-in-china-elevates-manufacturing-and-extends-global-roasting-network/">plans to build a Coffee Innovation Park</a> in China by 2022, which aims to become the most energy, water and waste efficient roasting operations for Starbucks around the world.

Last year, Starbucks also <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2018/starbucks-to-eliminate-plastic-straws-globally-by-2020/">eliminated plastic straws</a> from all of its stores in the Chinese mainland, saving about 200 tons of plastic waste annually. It is now accelerating the rollout of new waste sorting stations and will complete installation in over 80 percent of its stores by the end of September 2020.

New items from Starbucks China's plant-based platform

Starbucks expands plant-based ingredients and products in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2020/04/China-Plant-Based-Header-2.png

Starbucks expands plant-based ingredients and products in China

Starbucks stores across China offer a new plant-based food and beverage menu, as well as new merchandise made from recycled content.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-expands-plant-based-ingredients-and-products-in-china/

New roasting facility in 2022 will be Starbucks largest manufacturing facility outside the U.S.&nbsp;

Investment of $130 million (USD) further deepens Starbucks long-held commitment to elevate specialty coffee in China

Starbucks China Coffee Innovation Park (CIP) will advance sustainable manufacturing and smart supply chain management

Starbucks Coffee Company, the global roaster and retailer of specialty coffee, announced today it will invest approximately $130 million (USD) in China to open a state-of-the-art roasting facility in 2022 as part of its new Coffee Innovation Park (CIP). As Starbucks largest manufacturing investment outside of the U.S. and its first in Asia, the CIP will incorporate a roasting plant, warehouse and distribution center, creating highly-skilled jobs and new career opportunities that will further drive smart and sustainable coffee manufacturing in China. The plant will serve as a key component of the Company’s global roasting network, and the bold infrastructure investment further deepens Starbucks multi-decade commitment to strengthen the specialty coffee industry in China, where it aims to have 6,000 stores by 2022.

“Starbucks has spent the past 20 years sharing its passion for coffee across China and helping to build a leading industry that makes us all proud. The roasting facilities at the Coffee Innovation Park will set a blueprint for the future of coffee roasting and supply chain management, and further elevate China’s coffee industry, while supporting Starbucks growth in China, with China,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “Starbucks has always taken a long-term view in China, and our commitment to the market has never been stronger.” 

Building on Starbucks sustainability announcement in January, the CIP will incorporate advancements in sustainable manufacturing, smart supply chain innovation, and technology to support the aspiration to deliver the most energy- and water-efficient roasting operations for Starbucks in the world, while minimizing waste. The new roasting plant facility will be designed with the intent to apply for U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification, as well as China’s Three Star Green Building standards. 

“We recently announced a bold <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">multi-decade aspiration to become a planet positive company</a>. A company that gives more than we take from the planet. China is one of our most important markets and The Coffee Innovation Park is an important, strategic investment that has a positive impact on our carbon footprint and supports our long term sustainability goals,” said Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, Starbucks.&nbsp;

core/image

Elevating Premium Coffee in China

From farm to cup, Starbucks has helped shape the specialty coffee industry in China through continued investment in training and infrastructure, including the opening of the Starbucks Yunnan Farmer Support Center in 2012 to provide open-source agronomy resources to coffee farmers throughout the region. The new CIP, wholly-owned and operated by Starbucks, will source coffees from China and around the world directly from origin for processing, roasting, packaging and distribution, for the first time in China. Construction of the CIP will begin later this year in the city of Kunshan, an hour from Shanghai. 

“As the undisputed leader in specialty coffee, Starbucks is renowned for its tremendous contributions in developing China’s specialty coffee industry over the past two decades,” said Mr. Wu Xinming, Party Secretary of Kunshan. “We are delighted to welcome Starbucks reputed coffee expertise to help build a best-in-class coffee supply chain in Kunshan, which offers an ideal environment for Starbucks to invest and elevate its coffee leadership in China.” 

Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing

With the CIP set to handle Starbucks largest roasting capacity outside the U.S., the investment highlights the Company’s ambition to further globalize its roasting network and reinforces Starbucks strategic focus on the U.S. and China as its two lead growth markets. Currently, Starbucks operates six other roasting facilities—one in Amsterdam to support European markets, and five in the U.S. The warehouse, roasting and distribution capabilities of the CIP will lay a strong foundation for continued business growth and development in China.

However, Starbucks vision extends far beyond roasting. Once in operation, the CIP will integrate green coffee bean warehouse management and processing, with plans to co-locate a highly-automated and ‘intelligent’ distribution center that will become the heart of Starbucks distribution network in China. The facility also will serve as a training ground for coffee roasters and key roles across Starbucks coffee supply chain in China. 

Starbucks Coffee Innovation Park in China Elevates Manufacturing and Extends Global Roasting Network : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2020/03/Roasting.jpg

Starbucks Coffee Innovation Park in China Elevates Manufacturing and Extends Global Roasting Network

Starbucks will open a new roasting plant facility in China in 2022, its largest outside of the U.S.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2020/03/Roasting-1024x711.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-coffee-innovation-park-in-china-elevates-manufacturing-and-extends-global-roasting-network/

Starbucks China chairman and chief executive officer, Belinda Wong, has been lauded by Fortune China as one of the market’s 25 Most Influential Businesswomen. Notably, Starbucks China Board of Directors member Ms. Isabel Ge Mahe as also named on the list.

Belinda Wong oversees Starbucks overall business in China, including driving Retail business growth through leading and strengthening the third-place (store) experience, and pioneering the next wave of digital innovations for the Digital Ventures business. In 2019, Belinda led the growth of the China market through innovation across Starbucks retail and digital offerings, including the launch of Mobile Order and Pay, the opening of the first Starbucks Now express store, and continued partnership with Alibaba. 

Starbucks China is the Company’s fastest growing and most strategic international market, where a new Starbucks store opens at an unprecedented rate of every 15 hours. Since 2011, Belinda and her leadership team have successfully redefined critical facets of the China business, including vision, growth strategy, people and brand development, and led a talented team of over 55,000 partners (employees) to increase the size and scale of business fivefold. Starbucks currently operates more than 4,100 stores in over 160 Chinese cities and is well-positioned to capture China’s enormous growth opportunities to open 6,000 stores in 230 cities by the end of its financial year 2022. 

Headshot of Starbucks China chairperson and ceo Belinda Wong

Belinda Wong among China's Most Influential Businesswomen : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/12/Belinda-1.jpg

Belinda Wong among China&#8217;s Most Influential Businesswomen

Starbucks China chairman and chief executive officer, Belinda Wong, has been lauded by Fortune China as one of the market’s 25 Most Influential Businesswomen.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/12/Belinda-1-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/belinda-wong-named-among-chinas-25-most-influential-businesswomen/

Belinda Wong among China’s Most Influential Businesswomen

 It’s a ‘green’ birthday for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai (‘Roastery’), as China’s coffee wonderland celebrates its second anniversary this month. Today, the Roastery received a meaningful birthday ‘gift’ in the form of a LEED Platinum plaque – a recognition of Starbucks partners’ (employees) tireless efforts towards operating not just a theater for immersive coffee experiences, but also one that lives and breathes environmental sustainability. 

 LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green certification program for building design, construction, operations and maintenance awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Widely recognized as a leading international standard, it comprises a comprehensive list of categories, where projects earn points to achieve one of four certification levels. Platinum is the highest level of certification, awarded to only one in 10 LEED certified buildings. Platinum retail buildings make up an even more exclusive one percent of LEED certified buildings. 

The Shanghai Roastery set a new benchmark in green retail as the first in mainland China’s food retail industry to be certified LEED Platinum. Over 150 Roastery partners and onsite customers witnessed a simple plaque awarding ceremony, where they also heard inspiring, behind-the-scenes stories from partners who had contributed to the achievement. As part of the celebration, the Roastery’s iconic clacker board proudly shared the milestone with customers, who were invited to participate in interactive quizzes to win Starbucks memorabilia. 

“I feel immensely proud to be part of something bigger, to know that every little thing we do at the Roastery contributes towards taking better care of the environment, and that every little step we take brings us closer to a greener future for the planet and ourselves,” said Blues, a Roaster at the Shanghai Roastery.

The achievement is the culmination of the sustained, concerted efforts of countless Starbucks partners committed to not just creating a welcoming third place for customers, but also a greener one. From incorporating eco-friendly features and technologies into the building’s design and construction, down to planning every detail of the Roastery’s day-to-day operations, utmost care has been taken to enhance its environmental friendliness. 

As part of the certification process, the Shanghai Roastery was evaluated across six criteria – efficiency of water usage, quality of indoor environment, energy use, use of sustainable materials, and innovation and education. It stood out for the following features and achievements:

As the company expands at a rapid pace in China, opening a store every 15 hours, with the goal of operating over 6,000 stores in the market by 2022, the experience gained from the Roastery’s certification will prove valuable in further elevating Starbucks approach to green store design, construction and operation. The Shanghai Roastery is one of only three Starbucks stores to have achieved LEED Platinum certification globally. Altogether, the company has opened more than 1,600 LEED certified stores in 20 countries, and has committed to designing, building and operating 10,000 “Greener Stores” by 2025 as it seeks to advance greener retail and contribute to a sustainable future. 

LEED Platinum plaque on Shanghai Roastery

Shanghai Roastery Now LEED Platinum Certified : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/12/LEED-Platinum-plaque-on-Roastery.jpg

Shanghai Roastery Now LEED Platinum Certified

It’s a ‘green’ birthday for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai (‘Roastery’), as China’s coffee wonderland celebrates its second anniversary this month. Today, the Roastery received a meaningful birthday ‘gift’ in the form of a LEED Platinum plaque – a recognition of Starbucks partners’ (employees) tireless efforts towards operating not just a theater for immersive coffee […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/12/LEED-Platinum-plaque-on-Roastery-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-reserve-roastery-shanghai-celebrates-leed-platinum-achievement/

Today, Starbucks partners (employees) in China received a heartwarming surprise as the company unveiled an exciting partner investment program known as Flex Star Benefits.

Beginning January 1st, partners who have been part of the Starbucks China Family for more than two years will each be given credits they can use to select from a wide array of benefits. Each benefit has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs and aspirations of different partners in the increasingly diverse Starbucks China Family.

“Starbucks success in China is down to the passion and dedication our partners bring to work every day – in every cup of coffee they brew, and every customer connection they make,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “Since entering China 20 years ago, Starbucks has always strived to be a different kind of company. We want to share our success with all partners, in a timely and thoughtful manner that recognizes their individual needs – because each of our 55,000 partners is special.” &nbsp;

With an estimated 18,500 partners eligible for the scheme, and newly eligible partners to be enrolled every 6 months thereafter, Flex Star Benefits constitutes a significant investment for Starbucks China. Starbucks pioneering partner investments are already renowned in China’s retail industry, with the company recently named among China Best Employers for the fifth time by international human resources consultancy Aon Hewitt.

Over the years, Starbucks has listened to partners and introduced innovative benefits such as comprehensive insurance for the spouses and children of all partners, and critical illness insurance for parents, which has benefitted 18,500 full-time partners. Housing subsidies are provided to 26,000 partners who work away from their hometowns, while partners may also apply to return to work in newly-opened Starbucks stores in their hometowns under the Coming Home program. In addition, Starbucks China also offers partners opportunities to expand their horizons though a talent exchange program, which has helped over 100 partners complete short-term work experience programs in other cities across China and overseas. Finally, Starbucks is renowned for its global Bean Stock initiative, which granted US$21 million worth of Starbucks shares to partners across China last year.

Flex Star Benefits are yet another breakthrough in Starbucks ongoing endeavor to build a culture of family that takes care of its partners and their loved ones. More than just providing greater benefits, it also offers unprecedented flexibility. Partners are empowered to make individual choices based on what they need, from a variety of options designed to help partners enrich themselves, take better care of their loved ones, and make a positive difference to their communities.

“I believe mind and body go together. No matter how busy I am, I always find time to dance and practice yoga. Physical activities help me clear my mind and find my inner peace.”

To support partners’ physical and mental well-being, Starbucks encourages them to pursue their passions. Partners may use their credits to learn a new skill, or take up a hobby that relaxes the mind and body amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From cooking or painting classes, to hip hop dance lessons or even extreme sports, there is no limit to what the credits be used for. Partners may also simply apply for a 5- or 10-day mini ‘coffee break’ to recharge their batteries.

Protecting partners’ health is another area the new program covers. Partners may use credits for HPV vaccinations that protect against life-threatening diseases like cervical cancer. The benefit can be extended to partners’ family members and even friends, a first for Starbucks. In addition, the credits can be used to upgrade partners’ current benefits such as annual health checkups.

&nbsp;“I am a ‘pet daddy’ to three stray dogs I adopted. They have brought so much joy to my life, and when they fall sick, their pleading eyes simply break my heart. I want to give them the best healthcare possible.”

Flex Star Benefits also supports partners in taking care of those who matter most to them. For partners working away from their hometowns, the program allows up to three additional days of paid leave so that they can spend more time with their families on their home visits. They also have the option to use their credits for discounted travel tickets, to allay any financial concerns should they need to return home in the event of a family emergency.

In addition, Flex Star Benefits expand Starbucks existing schemes to cover ‘life partners’ beyond the immediate family – regardless of status or gender. Also unprecedented is the inclusion of ‘pawternal care’ benefits for pets – loyal companions who are treated as family members and mean the world to many pet owners. Under the new program, pet owning partners may enroll their pets into a pet insurance scheme or claim reimbursement for their pets’ medical expenses. Partners who adopt pets will be granted an additional day of leave.

&nbsp;“I spend time every month watching movies with the blind, describing to them what they could not see. It has made me see the world in a different way. Helping others has in turn helped me become a better me.”

In addition to caring for oneself and loved ones, Starbucks also encourages partners to contribute to local communities. Partners can earn additional credits by participating in social impact activities. They can also do good by donating their credits to the Starbucks China Cup Fund, to help fellow partners in urgent need of financial assistance. Partners can access Flex Star Benefits through the Starbucks China Green Apron partner mobile app, which provides a platform for Starbucks to continuously evolve and improve the program. New benefits will be explored based on partner feedback, while the company will continue to make timely investments to give back to its partners, as it strives to create the best possible workplace and deliver the best partner experience.

Starbucks Partners in China celebrate new benefits

Starbucks China Announces New Partner Benefits : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/11/partners.jpg

Starbucks China Announces New Partner Benefits

Today, Starbucks partners (employees) in China received a heartwarming surprise as the company unveiled an exciting partner investment program known as Flex Star Benefits. Beginning January 1st, partners who have been part of the Starbucks China Family for more than two years will each be given credits they can use to select from a wide […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-china-announces-new-partner-benefits/

New mixology offering elevates nighttime experience at China’s coffee wonderland by blending specialty coffee craftsmanship with cocktail artistry

Shanghai, CHINA — Starbucks today announced the new addition of Bar Mixato to the Starbucks Reserve™ Roastery in Shanghai, further elevating the multi-sensory experience of China’s coffee wonderland. Starbucks unique interpretation of the modern café and bar experience, Bar Mixato brings together the craftsmanship of specialty coffee and the artistry of cocktail concoctions to offer a novel nighttime third-place experience that will enthrall coffee lovers and bar-goers alike. It features a full bar menu, which includes the global debut of 11 innovative coffee- and tea-based cocktails specially created and available only at the Shanghai Roastery.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/10/SBX20190928-China-Bar-Mixato.jpg

core/file

“The Roastery has been at the forefront of innovation since its opening two years ago, epitomizing Starbucks relentless efforts to create imaginative new experiences that exceed customers’ expectations,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “The launch of Bar Mixato elevates the nighttime third-place experience with the exquisite fusion of coffee and cocktail art, to delight customers with unique Starbucks Experiences throughout the day. As Starbucks Innovation Lab in China, we will continue to leverage the Starbucks Reserve Roastery to pilot and gradually scale new products and offerings that our Chinese customers love.”

Bar Mixato extends Starbucks passion for coffee to the theater of cocktail mixology, conjuring new creative expressions of coffee, while adding a novel dimension to cocktails to meet the discerning tastes and growing thirst for unique experiences among consumers in China. Customers at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery may now enjoy Starbucks Reserve™ Coffee expertly handcrafted by Starbucks Coffee Masters by day, and connect over coffee- and tea-inspired cocktails mixed with precision by Starbucks Mixologists by night. Altogether, Starbucks has launched seven Bar Mixatos at Starbucks Reserve stores across Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and Shenzhen since the concept was first introduced in China in May.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/10/Starbucks-China-Bar-Mixato-4.jpg

Located on the second floor of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, the bar was personally designed by Starbucks global design officer, Liz Muller. It is helmed by Timothee Becqueriaux, winner of the globally prestigious 2019 Chivas Bartender Competition (China region), and his team of more than 20 talented Mixologists, who are not only experts in cocktail mixing, but also coffee and tea aficionados. From the use of ingredients to mixing techniques, they have reinterpreted traditional cocktails to create drinks with unique taste and aesthetic profiles, providing an unprecedented sensory experience for customers. 

Headlining the comprehensive bar menu are 11 unique coffee- and tea-based cocktails specially created by Starbucks China in collaboration with leading bartenders in the industry. Classic cocktails, Italian aperitivo, wine, draft beer and mocktails are also available, as is a thoughtfully curated selection of complementary food choices that customers can pair with their favorite cocktails. The menu will be refreshed quarterly based on the flavors of new Starbucks Reserve coffees. 

Since opening in December 2017, the Roastery has played a leading role in Starbucks retail innovation, incubating new offerings such as Modern Mixology, a new beverage category boasting natural fruit ingredients. With the addition of Bar Mixato, the Roastery will expand to serve as the hub for Starbucks cocktail innovation, before launching to other Bar Mixato locations nationwide. 

Featured beverages: Matcha Drama (left), Nitro Coffee Martini (right)

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/10/Starbucks-China-Bar-Mixato-1.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/10/Starbucks-China-Bar-Mixato-3.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/10/Starbucks-China-Bar-Mixato-2.jpg

Mixology beverages at Bar Mixato in Shanghai Reserve Roastery

Starbucks Launches Bar Mixato in Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/10/SBX20190928-China-Bar-Mixato-Featured-Image.jpg

Starbucks Launches Bar Mixato in Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

Innovative coffee- and tea- based cocktails add a new dimension to the Starbucks Experience at the Shanghai Roastery.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-launches-bar-mixato-in-starbucks-reserve-roastery-shanghai/

Starbucks® food and beverage now available for delivery in China through Alibaba’s smart speaker, Tmall Genie

Shanghai, CHINA – Today, Starbucks is taking another step toward evolving the digital experience for customers in China by launching voice ordering and delivery capabilities within Alibaba’s smart speaker, Tmall Genie. Customers can now order their favorite Starbucks beverages and food simply by using their voice for delivery within 30 minutes. Leveraging Alibaba’s on-demand food delivery platform, Ele.me, the voice ordering capabilities for Starbucks further extend the customer experience within Starbucks digital ecosystem.&nbsp;

The launch of the new service marks the one-year anniversary of Starbucks and Alibaba’s strategic partnership which advances the New Retail infrastructure and digital power in China — one of the fastest-growing markets in the world for coffee consumption. The announcement also builds on several significant collaborations between the two companies that enable a seamless Starbucks Experience for Chinese customers, such as establishing back-of-house kitchens, Star Kitchens, within Alibaba’s Freshippo supermarkets in China.

“We are thrilled to provide our cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence technology through Tmall Genie to serve Starbucks digitally-savvy customers in China,” said Miffy Chen, general manager at Alibaba A.I. Labs which leads the development of Tmall Genie. “Earlier this year, we launched food order and delivery service through Ele.me in response to our users’ needs for on-demand local services. We’re excited to introduce an even more diverse and enriched experience on our platform through Starbucks voice ordering and provide a direct benefit to Chinese consumers within their daily routine.”

“The Starbucks feature through Alibaba’s Tmall Genie ushers in a new era of digital customer engagement for Starbucks, leveraging ground-breaking digital technology to create an unprecedented experience that elevates our connection with customers to new heights,” said Molly Liu, vice president and general manager, Digital Ventures, Starbucks China. “We are focused on ensuring that Starbucks voice ordering is truly personal, and we look forward to offering our customers more convenient moments and new opportunities to engage with Starbucks on a single integrated platform as they move throughout the day.” 

Through Alibaba’s Tmall Genie, customers place an order using their voice and can track their order in real-time within the 30-minute delivery timeframe. 

Starbucks® Rewards members also can earn Stars and receive membership updates, including benefits, on the Tmall Genie. Soon, members will be able to receive personalized recommendations when using voice commands to place orders that are tailored to previous order preferences and popular items from Starbucks seasonal menu. As another added benefit, Starbucks fans in China can also listen to the latest Starbucks in-store playlists through Alibaba’s music streaming app, Xiami Music.

Powered by Alibaba’s speech AI and voice print payment technology, Tmall Genie orders help expand the high-quality Starbucks Delivers experience that is consistent with the Starbucks standards, including specially-designed splash-proof lids for both hot and cold beverages, tamper-proof packaging seals and individual hot and cold delivery containers to ensure orders arrive at the optimal temperature for enjoyment.

An exclusive Starbucks-themed Tmall Genie is available through the Starbucks virtual store in China, which unifies Starbucks offerings within Alibaba’s mobile apps, including Taobao, Alipay and Tmall. 

Starbucks and Alibaba Launch Voice Ordering and Delivery : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/09/SBX20190917-Alibaba-Press-Rel-Featured-Image.jpg

Starbucks and Alibaba Launch Voice Ordering and Delivery

Starbucks and Alibaba strengthen partnership with voice ordering and delivery through Alibaba's smart speaker.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-and-alibaba-launch-voice-ordering-and-delivery/

Showcasing Starbucks leadership in retail innovation by connecting customers with 100 years of modern Chinese history and reimagining the Third Place.

Tianjin, China – Today, Starbucks unveiled its flagship Reserve store in Tianjin, China. Located in Riverside 66, a Renaissance-style building constructed in 1921, this flagship store reimagines a nearly century-old heritage building to create an inspiring Third Place experience where history is brought to life and enriched with Starbucks coffeehouse culture.

“Over the past 20 years in China, Starbucks has constantly pushed to innovate and reimagine the Third Place experience, to bring people and communities closer together,” said Leo Tsoi, senior vice president, chief operating officer and president, Starbucks China - Retail. “We are immensely proud and privileged to preserve a revered piece of history that binds together four generations of Tianjin residents, and to share this rich cultural inheritance with more people, passing it on to future generations.” 

The Starbucks Reserve Riverside 66 Tianjin flagship store demonstrates Starbucks leadership in retail innovation and sets new standards in store concept and design by combining deep history with an entirely modern third-place experience for customers. For the first time in Tianjin, it features Starbucks Bar Mixato and Starbucks Teavana™ Bar, on top of its Starbucks Reserve offerings that reflect the company’s commitment to elevate and deliver an exceptional in-store experience while creating distinct, new Starbucks occasions in China. 

Rejuvenating a Historical Icon

Located in Tianjin’s leading commercial street, the building holds a special place in the hearts of local residents as an iconic city landmark that was a witness to key eras in modern Chinese history. Designed by Shen Liyuan, who was among the first pioneers of Chinese architects to study overseas, it housed the Zhejiang Xinye Bank till the early 1950s, and was a symbol of the city’s economic prosperity and development. In the 1980s, the early days of China’s economic transformation, it reopened as the high end Yongzheng Tailor Shop before becoming the Xinye Foreign Trade Mall. The location was officially designated as a city heritage site in 1997 and has been left vacant for the past two decades – a cultural gem waiting to rediscover its glorious past.

Driven by the passion and responsibility to revive this rich cultural heritage, Starbucks took on an unprecedented challenge to preserve the building’s original architecture and to restore the landmark to its full splendor, while infusing modern, creative elements that complement and give new life to the space. Working in collaboration with local historic preservation experts, it took three years of relentless effort by passionate Starbucks partners to navigate technical complexities and realize the vision for this ambitious project.

Customers can now admire up close the exquisite craftsmanship and grandeur of a bygone era, which include a majestic Greek style exterior façade and aesthetically breathtaking interior decorations, most notably a glass dome, imported marble columns and marble carvings. The original bank counters have also been fully preserved, allowing customers a peek into what a bank from a century ago looked and felt like. Meanwhile, creative use of bronze tubes ensured that no nail had to be struck into the columns when lighting was installed. Lighting and air conditioning systems were also ingeniously embedded into the glass dome.

“Beyond preserving the century old architecture in its fullest form, the Starbucks flagship store has also made creative use of its unique features,” said Mr. Luo Shuwei, famous historian and senior researcher from the Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences. “Starbucks partners have shown great passion and dedication to ensure that every design detail is in harmony with the original architectural style, to create a warm and welcoming ambience that is also filled with history.” &nbsp;

A reimagined coffee and tea experience comes to Tianjin

The flagship store is also where Tianjin’s cultural legacy meets Starbucks coffeehouse culture, in a powerful blend that elevates the third place experience to new heights. Customers can not only feel the richness of history, but also savor the world’s best coffees and experience the human connection imbued in coffee culture.

At the center of the main hall is a U-shaped Reserve Bar, where well-trained, certified Starbucks baristas expertly craft Starbucks Reserve coffees using different brew methods and equipment, such as the Siphon, V60 and Black Eagle. Customers may taste the extraordinary flavors of some of the world’s rarest, most exalted and most sought-after small-lot coffees – selected from more than 250,000 cups evaluated by Starbucks team of expert tasters every year, and roasted with meticulous care in the Shanghai Roastery. Often coming from remote and rugged places, with limited harvests from lots as small as a family backyard, each Starbucks Reserve coffee has its own story to tell, with different factors like soil, temperature, elevation, and the amount of rainfall and sunshine making each coffee unique.

The flagship store also features Tianjin’s first Bar Mixato and Starbucks® Teavana™ Bar. The premium Teavana™ Bar reimagines a modern tea experience, while demonstrating deep respect for thousands of years of tea tradition. It features beverages crafted using extraordinary ingredients in ingenious ways – customers may enjoy nitrogen infused teas, and the visual intrigue of the Steampunk brewing system, along with quality, brilliant tea leaves, blends and botanicals. A tea room is located at the far end of the bar, where customers may have a cup of Starbucks® Teavana™ tea while appreciating a tea inspired painting, a combination of tea and art to delight all senses.

Meanwhile, the store’s Bar Mixato offers over 30 options of Starbucks Reserve® cocktails, wines, and craft beers. Apart from popular pre-dinner and classic cocktails, the bar also features signature cocktails that creatively blend Starbucks® coffee and tea flavors, artfully mixed by Starbucks trained and certified bartenders. Paired delightfully with exquisite food offerings, they present a novel Starbucks third-place experience beyond customers’ imagination.

Starbucks Preserves Heritage Site in China to Open Flagship Location in Tianjin : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2019/08/SBX20190829-Tianjin-Featured-Image.jpg

Starbucks Preserves Heritage Site in China to Open Flagship Location in Tianjin

Located in Riverside 66, a Renaissance-style building constructed in 1921, this flagship store reimagines a nearly century-old heritage building to create an inspiring Third Place experience.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/starbucks-preserves-heritage-site-in-china-to-open-flagship-location-in-tianjin/

Starbucks and Nestlé today announced a new premium coffee experience for Chinese consumers with the introduction of Starbucks At Home and “We Proudly Serve Starbucks® Coffee” integrated business solutions in Foodservice channels.

This is the first launch in China since the two companies formally joined forces in August 2018 to create the global coffee alliance.

The nationwide rollout consists of a new range of 21 products, including whole bean and roast and ground packaged coffees, as well as the first-ever Starbucks capsules jointly developed since the two companies formed the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-and-nestle-form-global-coffee-alliance/">Global Coffee Alliance in 2018</a>.

“For 20 years, we’ve pioneered the Starbucks Experience for customers in China, and today through our alliance with Nestlé, we’re unlocking new premium coffee experiences to better suit our customers’ daily lives outside of our Starbucks retail stores,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and ceo, Starbucks China. “This is only the beginning —&nbsp;the addressable market for coffee in China is rapidly growing and we’ll continue to expand our reach and innovate to deliver signature Starbucks coffees on Nestlé’s proprietary systems and platforms to expand our customer reach for new occasions.”

The alliance is part Starbucks and Nestlé’s strategic partnership to expand the global reach of Starbucks brands in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and Foodservice segments. Since then, the alliance continues to roll out at an accelerated pace. &nbsp;

Building on Nestlé’s single serve capsule systems, including Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Starbucks At Home introduces Starbucks espresso capsules in signature flavors such as Caramel Macchiato and Cappuccino, allowing Chinese consumers to enjoy their favorite Starbucks coffee at home. Each capsule combines the high-quality, 100% arabica Starbucks® coffee that customers know and love with the premium at-home coffee experience of Nespresso.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/08/Starbucks-Capsules.jpg

Starbucks and Nestlé share a commitment to sustainability. The coffee is made with high-quality arabica coffee, ethically sourced, adhering to <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/sourcing/coffee">Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices</a>.

Entering New Channels – E-commerce, Foodservice

The full range of Starbucks at Home products will be widely available across e-commerce flagship stores on Tmall, JD.com and Suning.com, meaning Chinese consumers can enjoy making their favorite Starbucks coffee at home.

China