蓝瓶咖啡，要被卖了

Core Viewpoint - Blue Bottle Coffee represents a significant shift in the coffee industry, symbolizing the "third wave of specialty coffee" and challenging traditional perceptions of chain coffee brands like Starbucks [4][10]. Group 1: Company Overview - Founded in 2002, Blue Bottle Coffee has expanded to over 100 locations globally, entering the Chinese market in 2022 [4]. - The brand is known for its unique store designs, coffee bean selection, and brewing techniques, emphasizing a high-quality coffee experience [4][10]. - Nestlé acquired a 68% stake in Blue Bottle Coffee for $425 million in 2017, allowing the brand to maintain its independent operations [16][17]. Group 2: Market Context - The U.S. coffee beverage market reached a retail scale of $2.9 billion in 2017, with a growing trend towards specialty and high-end coffee [17]. - Competitors like Starbucks have also shifted focus towards premium offerings, indicating a competitive landscape for specialty coffee brands [17][18]. Group 3: Business Strategy and Challenges - Blue Bottle Coffee's emphasis on quality has led to operational challenges, such as the "48-hour rule" for coffee bean freshness, which can limit scalability [18][19]. - The company has pursued acquisitions to strengthen its supply chain, including the purchase of coffee roasting suppliers [19]. - Nestlé's strategic shift towards divesting non-core businesses, including potential plans to sell Blue Bottle Coffee, reflects broader industry trends [20][21].