Asia
Starbucks China announces new partner benefits programme
In China, Starbucks has unveiled a new partner investment programme for its partners (employees) known as Flex Star Benefits.
Vietnam is working to improve its reputation in tea
Poor processing methods, low quality standards, and heavy pesticide use saddled Vietnam with a “bad tea reputation.” But with new laws, higher standards and committed producers, Vietnam’s tea industry is looking to shed that tainted image and show the quality teas the country has to offer. By Vanessa L Facenda
Starbucks launches Bar Mixato at Shanghai Reserve Roastery
Starbucks has added Bar Mixato to its Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai, further elevating the multi-sensory experience of its offering in China.
Indochina’s less traditional tea producers raise their profiles
Sharing some of the Eastern Himalayan foothills with tea giants China and India as well as Vietnam and Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos – newcomers to the global tea market – are upping their profile and visibility. By Barbara Dufrêne
Starbucks and Alibaba launch voice ordering and delivery
Starbucks is evolving the digital experience for consumers in China by launching voice ordering and delivery capabilities within Alibaba’s smart speaker, Tmall Genie.
Teatulia wins Great Taste Award
Teatulia has won a 1-star Great Taste 2019 award for its Jasmine Green Tea.
Consumer trends driving coffee flows
A new Coffee Map from Rabobank has revealed five key themes shaping current and future coffee flows.
Flexicon opens location in Jakarta
Flexicon Singapore has opened a new office in Jakarta, Indonesia, to provide factory-direct sales and applications engineering services throughout Southeast Asia.
Herbal immersé tea collection launched
Thai tea company, Tropical Green Line has launched its immersé tea collection which it says it has “crafted for urban people”.
Tim Hortons expands into Thailand
Tim Hortons has entered into an exclusive master franchise and development agreement to develop the Tim Hortons brand in Thailand with WeEat Company.
Café in Taiwan uses robots to make drinks
Taiwanese tea shop, Babo Arms, is using a Universal Robots arm as part of its production process.
GEA completes freeze-dried coffee plant in Vietnam
GEA has completed a new freeze-dried instant coffee plant on a green field site in Vietnam for Tata Coffee Vietnam Company.
Whittard of Chelsea opens first stores in Taiwan
Purveyor of fine teas, coffees and cocoas, Whittard of Chelsea has recently opened its first stores in Taiwan as part of its international expansion strategy.
Japan’s BOSS Coffee targets US RTD market
Suntory Beverage & Food North America LLC (B&F NA) has launched BOSS Coffee, its ready-to-drink (RTD) flash-brewed coffee brand in the United States.