Chinese have their own coffee tastes
Let’s face it – traditionally speaking the Chinese have not been known for their coffee-drinking. Tea, as we all know, has been considered the drink of China.
However, for some time now, coffee is making an inroad into the enormous country. There are Western coffee chains in the country and, surprisingly, a coffee chain called Pacific Coffee (which started life in Hong Kong) also has 18 coffee shops in China. It is a fast-growing chain which is, arguably, an indicator of the growing Chinese love of the beverage. Last year Pacific Coffee had only five such shops. According to reports, they hope to have some 50 coffee outlets around the beginning of next year and the longer term target is to have a thousand coffee shops in the country.
So what is the key to the success of this fast-growing company? It is said that it has tailored its menu to the local Chinese market and has created some special drinks targeted at the tastes of the local clients. What sort of preparations are for sale? Ever heard of a ‘Huadiao mocha’? Perhaps not. It is a mixture of Chinese yellow wine and a mocha blend. Or perhaps you would be surprised to see ‘Er Wotou chilino’ on the menu: an iced coffee with the Er Wotou liquor for a bit of a kick.
Given the new, unusual coffee alcohol mixes, you would perhaps be interested to learn that the Pacific Coffee chain was 80% acquired by China Resources Enterprise, which specialises in wine.
Photo: Matt Dean