A Starbucks logo is seen at a Starbucks coffee shop in Seoul, South Korea, Mar 7, 2016. BANGKOK: Starbucks said on Monday it plans to open an outlet in Laos as it expands its network of more than 10,000 stores in Asian countries.AdvertisementThe outlet will be operated by Coffee Concepts , a part of Hong Kong-based Maxim's Caterers.
Many Laotians drink powdered coffee drinks that include milk and sugar, as is true across much of Asia, but the country of 7.2 million is a coffee exporter and has its own artisanal coffee roasters and shops.Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, Laos was drawing growing numbers of foreign tourists, with more than 4 million visiting in 2018. Local incomes have been rising, but still average around US$300 a month.
“We will take a thoughtful approach to driving sustainable growth in Laos and look forward to contributing to the country’s vibrant coffee culture," Starbucks said.Starbucks said it was monitoring the coronavirus situation but is still aiming at an opening in summer 2021.