The coffee chain reaches 6,022 outlets across 16 markets, adding more than 700 coffeehouses in three years through licensed partnerships and new store formats.
Starbucks has crossed the 6,000-coffeehouse milestone in Asia Pacific, reaching 6,022 locations across 16 markets as the company continues to expand its regional presence through local partnerships and new retail formats.
The milestone represents 13% growth in its regional coffeehouse network over three years, increasing from 5,303 locations at the end of fiscal 2023. The latest expansion reflects Starbucks’ continued investment in established markets as well as emerging coffee destinations across the region.
The company marked the achievement with the opening of Starbucks Ly Nam De, its first coffeehouse in Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a region recognised for its coffee-growing heritage.
Since entering Asia Pacific with its first store in Singapore in December 1996, Starbucks has expanded across Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. The 6,022-store milestone excludes mainland China and Japan.
Starbucks serves more than 2.8 million customers daily across these 16 markets and employs over 62,000 people, known as Green Apron partners.
“Surpassing 6,000 coffeehouses is a meaningful moment in our nearly 30-year journey in Asia Pacific, made possible by our green apron partners and licensing partners who have helped bring the Starbucks Experience to millions of customers across the region,” said Chanda Beppu, President of Starbucks Asia Pacific.
Local licensing partnerships remain an important part of Starbucks’ regional expansion strategy. Under this model, local operators typically invest in and manage coffeehouses, while Starbucks provides its brand, products, operating standards, training and operational expertise. The company also operates through joint ventures and company-owned stores in selected markets.
In India, Starbucks operates through Tata Starbucks, a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Corporation and Tata Consumer Products established in 2012. The partnership provides the platform for the brand’s expansion in the Indian market.
Starbucks is also adapting its store formats to reach customers in different locations. Smaller outlets are being developed for transport hubs, commuter locations and high-traffic areas, while destination coffeehouses incorporate local architecture, cultural heritage and regional design elements.
Recent examples include Starbucks Reserve Hiraya in the Philippines, Starbucks Luodong Forestry Culture Park in Taiwan and its coffeehouse in Kampot, Cambodia. In Vietnam, the company has also introduced a mobile coffee truck to serve customers at concerts, events and community gatherings.
The Buon Ma Thuot opening reflects this localisation strategy, with the coffeehouse incorporating regional architectural influences, traditional weaving-inspired artwork and locally sourced materials.
With more than 700 additional coffeehouses opened over three years, Starbucks’ latest milestone highlights the continued importance of Asia Pacific to its international business. Its expansion strategy combines local operating partnerships, flexible store formats and destination-led locations to strengthen its presence across the region.
