Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-09 11:10Core Insights - Starbucks announced the sale of a 60% stake in its China business to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, marking the first time the company has relinquished control in its 26 years in China [1] - The joint venture aims to accelerate Starbucks' expansion plan to reach 20,000 stores in China, leveraging local resources from Boyu Capital [1][3] - Starbucks will retain a 40% stake in the joint venture and continue to authorize the use of its brand and intellectual property [1] Group 1: Market Context - Starbucks' market share in China's fresh coffee segment has dropped to 14% in 2024, down from a peak of 42% in 2017, indicating significant competitive pressure from local brands [3] - The current size of China's fresh coffee market has surpassed 280 billion yuan, with the affordable segment growing at 42% [4] - Products priced under 10 yuan account for 58% of consumer spending, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences towards value [4] Group 2: Strategic Response - The joint venture's goal of expanding to 20,000 stores exceeds the total number of stores opened by Starbucks in the past 26 years, reflecting a need to compete with local rivals like Luckin Coffee and Kudi [3] - The expansion strategy may draw from experiences in the South Korean market, where price promotions and operational efficiencies were implemented post-equity sale [3][4] - The restructuring is seen as a critical move to adapt to market changes and bind local resources, transitioning from a wholly-owned model to a joint venture [4]