Starbucks plans to open its first outlet in Laos, as it follows Asia expansion strategy.
The global coffee chain giant said it will open its first shop in the capital city of Vientiane by next summer. The addition of Laos will make it the 17th Asian market in which the company operates, and an addition to its vast network of more than 10,000 stores in Asia.
Michael Conway, Executive Vice President of Starbucks International Licensed Stores said,
We’re excited to bring the Starbucks Experience to Laos, which has a rich history of coffee production and thriving coffee culture
The outlet will be operated by Coffee Concepts (Laos) Ltd., a part of Hong Kong-based Maxim’s Caterers Ltd.
Starbucks said in a statement that it intends to use its global scale to have a positive impact and boost career opportunities in the impoverished, landlocked country bordered by Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.
Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Maxim’s Caterers said,
We are pleased to introduce the Starbucks brand into Laos, which further builds on our 20 year relationship with Starbucks to grow the coffee industry across Asia.
Starbucks aims to contribute to the country’s coffee culture as many Laotians drink instant coffee that includes milk and sugar, similar to many across Asia, but the country of 7.2 million is a coffee exporter and has its own artisanal coffee roasters and shops.
Pre-COVID global pandemic, Laos was drawing more than 4 million tourist visitors in 2018. Starbucks said it was monitoring the COVID situation but is still aiming to open in summer 2021.
