Top International and Domestic Coffee Franchises to Consider

If you’re exploring coffee franchises—whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the major players in the global coffee scene—you’ve likely asked: what are the most recognized coffee franchises out there, and which ones are worth considering? This guide lays out the top international and domestic coffee franchises based on brand recognition, investment scale, and market presence.

In short, the most prominent coffee franchise is Costa Coffee (from the US/UK), with an estimated basic investment of 500,000–1,000,000 RMB. Other notable names include Italy’s Pascucci, South Korea’s Café Bene, Manoffin , UBC , and Coffee Yunyi , each with varying investment levels from 500,000 to over 2,000,000 RMB.

1. Costa Coffee: A Leading Global Coffee Franchise

Often considered the top international coffee franchise—especially when compared to the harder-to-access Starbucks model—Costa Coffee originates from the United States/UK. The brand emphasizes delivering a premium coffee experience in a comfortable environment. Franchisees can expect a basic investment range of 500,000 to 1,000,000 RMB.

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2. Italian Heritage: Pascucci Coffee Franchise

Pascucci is a century-old Italian coffee brand that gained visibility through its appearances in Korean dramas. Though originally Italian, it has entered the Chinese market as a franchise opportunity. The brand combines European coffee tradition with modern café culture. Franchise fees range from 150,000 to 200,000 RMB, with a total basic investment of approximately 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 RMB.

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3. Popular Korean Franchises in the Coffee Market

Several major coffee franchises originating from South Korea have gained traction both domestically and internationally. These include:

• Café Bene : A well-known Korean coffeehouse chain with franchise fees between 160,000 and 400,000 RMB and a basic investment typically over 1,000,000 RMB.
• Manoffin : Operated by a Korean owner, this franchise offers a more boutique café feel. Franchise costs range from 160,000 to 400,000 RMB, with a basic investment of 500,000 to 1,000,000 RMB.

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4. Established Names in the Chinese Market

Several long-standing coffee franchises in China continue to operate despite market shifts:

• UBC : Once a dominant name in Chinese coffee shops, UBC has faced closures but remains a known franchise with franchise fees of 160,000 to 400,000 RMB and an investment range of 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 RMB.
• Coffee Yunyi : Backed by celebrities including hosts from China’s Happy Camp, this franchise is considered highly profitable. Investment requirements are 500,000 to 1,000,000 RMB with franchise fees from 160,000 to 400,000 RMB.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most recognized coffee franchise globally?

The most recognized international coffee franchise is Costa Coffee, which originated in the US/UK. It is often favored over Starbucks for franchise opportunities due to relatively more accessible entry terms, with a basic investment requirement of 500,000 to 1,000,000 RMB.

Which Korean coffee franchises are available for investment?

Popular Korean coffee franchises include Café Bene , with franchise fees of 160,000–400,000 RMB and over 1,000,000 RMB total investment, and Manoffin , requiring 160,000–400,000 RMB in fees and 500,000–1,000,000 RMB to start.

Are there any Italian coffee franchises?

Yes, Pascucci is a century-old Italian coffee brand that has entered the Chinese market as a franchise. It offers a traditional European coffee experience with franchise fees of 150,000–200,000 RMB and an investment range of around 1,500,000–2,000,000 RMB.

What are some long-standing coffee franchises in China?

Prominent Chinese coffee franchises include UBC and Coffee Yunyi . UBC has a varied investment range of 1,000,000–2,000,000 RMB, while Coffee Yunyi is seen as a profitable option with 500,000–1,000,000 RMB in investment.

What is the typical investment range for coffee franchises?

Coffee franchise investments vary widely: international brands like Costa start around 500,000 RMB, while others such as UBC or Coffee Yunyi may require 1,000,000–2,000,000 RMB. Korean brands like Café Bene and Manoffin generally need 1,000,000 RMB or more to open.

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