The boutique coffee chain says it sees a “long future” in China, with its new store in Shanghai paying homage to the country’s heritage and local culture
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Blue Bottle Coffee's Shanghai store is located in the historic Shanghai Yutong Flour Mill, which dates back to 1926 | Photo credit: Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee has made its debut in mainland China with a café in Shanghai. The new two-floor outlet, which Blue Bottle calls ‘Yutong Cafe’, is located in the historic Shanghai Yutong Flour Mill, which dates back to 1926.
In addition to serving its full range espresso and drip coffees, Blue Bottle said the new store extended its commitment to appreciating and respecting local culture.
The Yutong Cafe serves a range of locally-inspired food, including the exclusive ‘Yutong Dessert Set’ prepared by local Shanghai brands. The store also stocks a merchandise range created in collaboration with Shanghai-based illustrator, Peng Kai, and inspired by scenes around Yutong cafe and along the Suzhou Creek.
“China is a strategic market for Blue Bottle Coffee and one where we see a long future for ourselves,” said Karl Strovink, CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee. “If there is anything you need to know about Blue Bottle Coffee, it is that we take our time to get things right. You can see that front and centre in how we treat coffee, and how we have mastered the pour over. Great things take time, and that is the essence of the coffee experience guests can enjoy at Blue Bottle Coffee. With the arrival of our first cafe in Mainland China, we are excited to bring this experience to guests and grow together with our local baristas and cafe team members.”
Blue Bottle has also opened a new roastery in Shanghai to support its growth in China. The Jing'an District facility joins California-based business’s two roasteries in the US along with sites in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, South Korea.
“Shanghai has a profound history and rapidly growing coffee culture. We are thrilled to bring Blue Bottle Coffee to Mainland China. Our aim is to provide guests with the authentic Blue Bottle Coffee experience we are known for alongside some new experiences.” said Grace Hu, GM, Greater China at Blue Bottle Coffee.
Although the Yutong Cafe is Blue Bottle’s first store in mainland China, the California-based company already has two coffee shops in Hong Kong.