K Coffee hits 1,000 stores milestone as it deepens localization efforts in China

K Coffee celebrated the opening of its 1,000th store in Beijing on Tuesday, in collaboration with China Daily, marking a major milestone achieved in less than two years of rapid expansion amid the promising growth of China's coffee economy.

The brand's success has been driven by a strong focus on coffee localization, sustainable supply chain development and creative brand innovation.

To promote China's domestic coffee industry, K Coffee has deepened its collaboration with coffee-growing partners in Yunnan province, sourcing around 1,200 metric tons of green coffee beans annually from key regions such as Pu'er, Baoshan, Lincang and Menglian.

Sun-dried coffee beans from Yunnan, produced from ripe coffee cherries, not only retain a fruity sweetness but also minimize water consumption and reduce environmental impact during processing.

In collaboration with local partners, K Coffee has introduced a series of incentive programs to encourage farmers to harvest fully ripe cherries during the optimal picking period and adopt sun-drying techniques, according to the company.

"These efforts have helped farmers increase their income, boosted the production of high-quality sun-dried beans, and fostered a virtuous cycle of sustainable development," said an executive of the company.

Beyond supply chain initiatives, K Coffee has infused cultural creativity into its brand building.

The 1,000th store has become the first coffee outlet to feature a "Beijing Gifts" vending machine, blending the capital's cultural heritage with youth coffee culture.

Through this creative combination, the brand aims to further stimulate consumption, unleash consumer potential, and contribute to the growth of China's coffee economy, the company said.

Leveraging KFC's extensive store network across over 2,000 towns across China, K Coffee has adopted a "side-by-side" store model, enabling rapid expansion into diverse markets, including airports and tourist destinations.

K Coffee has also tailored its offerings to young consumers' tastes, introducing innovative products such as sparkling Americanos, ice-cream-topped coffees and hand-shaken coffees performed live by baristas.

In a further nod to cultural innovation, K Coffee partnered with local intangible cultural heritage artisans to create a special-edition cup sleeve for the Wutai Mountain scenic area in Xinzhou, Shanxi province, demonstrating how the brand integrates cultural elements into its products.

With a robust supply chain foundation, creative marketing initiatives, and a rapidly expanding presence nationwide, K Coffee is expected to further tap into China's booming coffee market.