#luckin-coffee

#luckin-coffee

When Starbucks opened its first store in Beijing in 1999, it wasn't just selling coffee; it was selling Western aspirations to China's rising middle class. The Seattle-based giant expanded rapidly to dominate China's premium coffee scene. That early-mover advantage has, however, since eroded. Chinese competitors like Luckin Coffee and Manner have overtaken Starbucks in store count and captured market share, thanks to aggressive pricing, mobile integration and a sharper understanding of Chinese consumer habits.

All ordering happens through an app, making the process impersonal and streamlined. When asked what he admires about the chain, Niccol pointed to their flavor combinations. "The one thing that they probably have done a nice job of is just an unbelievable pace of product innovation," he said. "It sets the tone for, 'Hey, we cannot be complacent on flavors and drink combinations.'"