Global coffeehouse chain Starbucks is reportedly planning to start delivering its drinks and snack products across China through a partnership with e-commerce major Alibaba Group Holding.

Starbucks will strike a deal with Alibaba’s meal delivery service company Ele.me to supervise the delivery operations, according to The Wall Street Journal’s sources.

The development follows after the coffeehouse chain announced plans to test delivery service options in Beijing and Shanghai in fiscal 2019.

“Alibaba and Starbucks are always exploring new ways to deepen our long-term partnership in China.”

Starbucks China chief executive officer Belinda Wong was quoted by CNBC as saying: “Let me assure you that our new delivery service will adhere to the high standards our customers in China have come to expect as we expand our business there.”

An Alibaba spokesperson was further quoted by the publication as saying: “Alibaba and Starbucks are always exploring new ways to deepen our long-term partnership in China. We have nothing more to share at this point.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In its financial results for the third quarter ended on 1 July, Starbucks reported that China’s comparable store sales decreased by 2%.

In its first-ever China Investor Day in Shanghai held on 16 May, Starbucks announced plans to build 600 net new stores annually over the next five years in Mainland China.

The company aims to double the market’s store count to 6,000 across 230 cities by 2022.