Starbucks Bottled Coffee Coming From China

Shoppers in China have long paid a premium for bottled Starbucks coffee — often double or triple the price of other ready-to-drink (RTD) coffees — all because it has been imported. But that’s about to change. A new partnership will soon see these drinks produced domestically, potentially bringing prices down significantly.

Yes, bottled Starbucks coffee sold in China is currently imported, usually priced around 20 yuan (approximately $2.80) per bottle. Under the new deal, production will move to China, and while the exact retail price hasn’t been announced, industry insiders suggest it will likely be much cheaper.

Starbucks and Master Kong Partner Up

On March 20, Tingyi Holding Corporation (trading as Master Kong in China) announced a partnership with Starbucks Coffee Company. The agreement allows the two to jointly develop and distribute a range of bottled coffee beverages in mainland China.

Under the deal, Master Kong (via its subsidiary, Master Kong Beverages) will handle manufacturing and distribution, while Starbucks will remain in charge of product development — including recipe creation, flavor profiling, and quality standards.

What’s Currently on the Market

Currently, the bottled Starbucks coffee available in Chinese supermarkets and convenience stores is entirely imported. Retailers stock roughly three to four flavors, typically priced at around 20 yuan per bottle. That’s far higher than competing RTD coffee brands. For example, products from Nestlé, Uni-President’s Yakult (Yakult Black Tea Latte), and Kirin usually sell for between 4 and 5 yuan per bottle.

Sales staff report that although bottled coffee makes up a small fraction of overall beverage sales, carbonated drinks, juices, and tea-based drinks consistently outsell coffee. The high price of imported bottled Starbucks is often cited as a barrier to more frequent purchases.

What Changes With Local Production

The new collaboration means Starbucks bottled drinks will soon be produced in China. Manufacturing locally is expected to reduce import taxes, shipping costs, and supply chain expenses — factors that have kept the imported bottles at a premium price point.

While Starbucks will continue to control product R&D, the actual production and distribution will be managed by Master Kong, leveraging their established infrastructure and distribution network across China. This move mirrors similar strategies used by other international food and beverage brands to improve cost efficiency in the Chinese market.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will bottled Starbucks coffee be made in China?

The official announcement was made on March 20, 2024, but the article does not specify an exact launch date for the domestically produced bottles. Production is expected to begin soon after final arrangements are in place.

Why is imported bottled Starbucks coffee so expensive in China?

Imported bottled Starbucks coffee is priced around 20 yuan (about $2.80) per bottle largely due to import duties, international shipping, and supply chain costs. These expenses are avoided when the product is manufactured locally.

Who is making the new bottled Starbucks coffee in China?

Master Kong (Tingyi Holding Corporation) will be responsible for manufacturing and distributing the bottled coffee. Starbucks will focus on product development, including flavors and recipes.

How much does bottled Starbucks coffee cost now?

Currently, bottled Starbucks coffee in China sells for around 20 yuan (approximately $2.80) per bottle. Comparable RTD coffee brands are typically priced between 4 and 5 yuan.

What flavors of bottled Starbucks coffee are available?

The article mentions that there are roughly three to four flavors of bottled Starbucks coffee currently sold in China, but it does not list the specific flavors.

Will the price of bottled Starbucks coffee go down?

While the new agreement aims to reduce costs through local production, the article does not confirm a price drop. However, industry observers expect the price to be lower than the current imported rate.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for RTD Coffee Lovers

If you enjoy bottled coffee drinks, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes, or their Yirgacheffe for a juicy, berry-forward cup. Both single origins highlight the qualities often sought in fresh brewed and chilled coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.