A touch of wine seems to have done wonders for Pacific Coffee, helping it to grow rapidly on the mainland.
Since state-owned China Resources Enterpris, maker of Chinese wines Huadiao and Er Wotou, acquired 80 per cent of Pacific Coffee from Chevalier Pacific 18 months ago, the chain's presence on the mainland has grown from five shops to 33 and is slated to go up to 50 in the next two months.
The group's general manager for strategic planning and investor relations, Vincent Tse Tan-hon, said: 'To expand our network, we will explore alternative markets that others have not yet developed.'
That includes products such as Huadiao mocha, a mixture of Chinese yellow wine and mocha, and Er Wotou chillino, iced coffee mixed with the strong Chinese liquor that could have an alcohol level of over 50 per cent. Tse said new flavours such as these have found favour with customers.
The coffee chain is also working with banks, companies and universities to set up coffee booths in their premises.
'Setting in-house coffee booths mean we don't have to pay any rent and can pass on the rental savings to our clients, who in turn can enjoy our coffee at prices 30 per cent below retail rates,' Tse said.