Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is facing significant pressure in the Chinese market, leading to its first price reduction in 25 years for non-coffee beverages, marking a strategic shift to combat local competition and a potential restructuring of its business in China [1][2][7]. Group 1: Price Adjustment and Market Response - In June 2025, Starbucks announced a price reduction for 10 non-coffee beverages, with the highest drop reaching 6 yuan, allowing consumers to save an average of 5 yuan per cup [2]. - The price adjustments reflect a direct response to the competitive landscape, particularly against local brands like Luckin Coffee, which reported a revenue increase of 41.2% year-on-year in Q1 2025 [2][3]. - Starbucks' revenue in China for FY2024 was $2.968 billion, a decline of 6.13% compared to the previous year, with same-store sales down 6% [2]. Group 2: Strategic Transformation - Starbucks is shifting its focus towards non-coffee products, aiming to enhance the "afternoon tea" experience as a key growth driver in the Chinese market [4]. - The company is implementing a "coffee + non-coffee" dual-engine model to better cater to various consumer scenarios and store types [4]. - The non-coffee segment is seen as crucial for penetrating lower-tier markets, with Starbucks expanding its presence to over 1,000 county-level markets and adding 166 new markets in FY2024 [4]. Group 3: Operational Changes and Challenges - To support its strategic shift, Starbucks has adopted cost-control measures, including tighter labor management, which has led to a reduction in workforce at individual stores [5][6]. - Despite these efforts, there are concerns about the effectiveness of labor reductions in enhancing productivity and driving sales growth [5][6]. - The company is also facing challenges in balancing its premium brand positioning with the need for competitive pricing in a rapidly evolving market [8][9]. Group 4: Ownership and Future Prospects - There are ongoing rumors regarding the potential sale of Starbucks' China business, with interest from private equity firms and local companies [7]. - Starbucks' global CEO has acknowledged the need for adjustments to enhance business performance while exploring strategic partnerships for growth in China [7]. - The company is under pressure to innovate and localize its product offerings to meet the distinct preferences of Chinese consumers [8].

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks China is adopting a different strategy compared to other global markets, focusing on unique market conditions and competitive dynamics [1][5]. Group 1: Strategic Changes - Brian Niccol, the new CEO, aims to fundamentally change the company's strategy by streamlining the menu, reducing discounts, and slowing down new store openings to support transformation [2]. - Starbucks China is not included in the global adjustment plan, as the CEO acknowledges the intense competition in the Chinese market and the need for a clear growth strategy [3][4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In the second fiscal quarter of 2025, Starbucks China's revenue reached $739.7 million, a 5% year-over-year increase, with same-store sales growing by 4%, reversing a downward trend [4]. - In contrast, North America's same-store sales declined by 4% during the same period, highlighting the importance of the Chinese market for the company [4]. Group 3: Pricing Strategy - On June 10, Starbucks China launched a "Summer Heart Price" promotion, reducing prices of certain non-coffee products by an average of 5 yuan, marking the first time the company has proactively lowered prices in over 20 years [6]. - The price adjustments are not considered a price war, as the discounted products still start at a minimum of 23 yuan, differentiating Starbucks from lower-priced competitors [7]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The non-coffee product market in China is substantial, with projections estimating the ready-to-drink tea market to reach 368.9 billion yuan by 2025, surpassing the coffee market by 100 billion yuan [7]. - Starbucks is adopting a "coffee + non-coffee" dual-engine model to cater to diverse consumer preferences and enhance product offerings [8]. Group 5: Expansion Plans - Unlike the global strategy of reducing new store openings, Starbucks China plans to continue expanding, with a 9% year-over-year increase in store count in the second fiscal quarter of 2025 [8]. - The company is seeking partners to potentially increase its store count from approximately 8,000 to 20,000, indicating significant growth ambitions in the Chinese market [9][10]. Group 6: Long-term Commitment - Brian Niccol reiterated the immense growth potential in the Chinese market, emphasizing the company's long-term commitment to deepening its presence and development in the region [11].