外资餐饮急寻中国合伙人
21世纪经济报道·2026-02-08 09:34

Core Insights - The article discusses the recent strategic partnerships and investments in the Chinese food and beverage sector, highlighting the completion of a joint venture between RBI and CPE Yuanfeng, which injected $350 million into Burger King China, giving CPE approximately 83% ownership [1] - Starbucks announced a strategic partnership with Boyu Capital to expand its retail operations in China, with a focus on long-term growth and enhancing customer experience [1][5] - The article emphasizes the increasing trend of foreign food and beverage companies seeking local partnerships in China due to competitive pressures and changing market dynamics [2][10] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Chinese restaurant market is experiencing a significant shift, with a total revenue of 57.982 billion yuan in 2025, reflecting a 3.2% year-on-year growth [8] - Consumer spending on dining is declining, with per capita spending dropping to 39.8 yuan in 2024, a decrease of 6.6% compared to the previous year [6] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with nearly 8 million restaurant outlets in China, leading to a focus on market share rather than growth [9] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships - CPE Yuanfeng and RBI plan to expand Burger King's store count in China from approximately 1,250 to over 4,000 by 2035, aiming for sustainable same-store sales growth [8] - Starbucks' partnership with Boyu Capital is expected to enhance its market presence and operational efficiency in China, with Boyu holding up to 60% of the joint venture [5] - The trend of foreign brands partnering with local firms is seen as a necessary adaptation to the unique challenges of the Chinese market, with local teams better understanding consumer behavior and operational dynamics [15][16] Group 3: Operational Challenges - Foreign brands face operational difficulties in China, leading to a shift towards local management to improve responsiveness and cost control [15] - The article notes that many foreign companies are realizing the need for local expertise to navigate the competitive landscape effectively [10][16] - The introduction of local partners is viewed as a strategic move to stabilize market share and enhance operational capabilities amid fierce competition [10][12]