Since announcing its global strategy in August this year, Cotti Coffee has quickly opened two stores in Tokyo, Japan, drawing local consumer attention with opening promotional prices of 100-300 yen, and being dubbed by netizens as the "king of value for money." However, after the promotional period, prices will rise back to 500-650 yen, directly targeting well-known brands such as Starbucks. Japan's coffee market is fiercely competitive, with about 70,000 coffee shops nationwide. As a brand established only one year ago, why is Cotti in such a hurry to open stores in a mature market? Can its "Coffee Dreamer Program" and regional partner model help its overseas expansion? This article will provide an in-depth analysis of Cotti's international layout and the challenges it faces. [more…]

On July 17, a post about an alleged infringement by Chayan Yuese sparked widespread discussion on social media. Some internet users noticed that on the packaging of the brand's newly launched "Mountain Pepper Oil Flavored Spicy Strips," the album图案 held by the cartoon character bore a striking resemblance to the cover of Khalil Fong's "Dreamer," released in 2024. Netizens asked customer service to verify a collaboration, but were told that the two parties had no partnership. As public opinion grew, Chayan Yuese confirmed that the product involved had been urgently removed from shelves that afternoon and publicly apologized for the lack of oversight in its creative review process. Although the brand has responded, it has not yet issued a formal statement on its official social media accounts. [more…]

Starbucks has launched a dream collaboration with the classic comic strip Peanuts, unveiling a Snoopy-themed merchandise collection in Japan under the theme "HAPPINESS IS CONNECTING TOGETHER." The collaboration features a total of 23 items, released in two waves on September 28 and October 5, spanning categories such as thermos bottles, tumblers, mugs, T-shirts, baseball caps, tote bags, blankets, and gift cards, with prices ranging from 2,550 to 4,900 yen. The most anticipated item is a Snoopy plush wearing a Starbucks apron, available in both keychain and figurine versions, which goes on sale only on October 5. This collaboration not only pays tribute to the timeless, multi-generational appeal of Peanuts but also echoes Starbucks' "third place" philosophy of happiness. [more…]

The competition between Cotti Coffee, founded by Lu Zhengyao, and Luckin Coffee is extending from the market to a battle for talent and franchisees. This article examines how Cotti, leveraging its "former Luckin founder" label and low-threshold policies, attracts former Luckin franchisees and baristas to switch sides, and analyzes its strategy of setting up shop right next to Luckin in third- and fourth-tier cities to directly capture Luckin's customer traffic. It also looks at the strong Luckin background within Cotti and the head-to-head confrontations between the two in small-city commercial districts. Through multiple cases and interviews, it reveals the fierce rivalry in the coffee arena. [more…]

Tims China recently announced the launch of its "Partner Program," initially opening single-store franchising in Shanghai and Beijing, marking a shift in its franchising strategy from city-level franchising to a single-store model. However, the startup capital of over 600,000 yuan, its persistently loss-making financial performance, and the fiercely competitive market environment have sparked widespread discussion about this move. This article sorts through Tims' franchising details, cost structure, market background, and consumer feedback, exploring whether, amid intensifying competition in the coffee sector, opening single-store franchising is its "big move" to accelerate expansion or a reluctant response to difficult circumstances. [more…]

Cotti Coffee was recently spotted by netizens opening a directly operated store in Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea, while its 5,000th store in China opened at Sanlitun SOHO in Beijing. From its first store in Fuzhou in October 2022 to its current scale of 5,000 stores, Cotti has raced ahead at a pace of more than 500 stores per month. But behind this rapid expansion, once the 8.8-yuan promotional subsidy stops, cup sales take a hit. So far this year, the number of store closures has reached 332, with 152 new closures in the past 90 days. Some netizens have compared it with Luckin, which has already set up 12 directly operated stores in Singapore. South Korea's coffee market is large, prices are low, choices are plentiful, and stores are densely distributed, so whether foreign brands can gain a foothold remains to be seen. Front Street Coffee follows industry developments and explains for you the challenges behind Cotti's overseas expansion and growth. [more…]

In just half a month, Cotti Coffee established 13 new branches in 9 major cities nationwide, demonstrating the rapid momentum of Lu Zhengyao's team returning to the coffee industry. Starting with its first store in Fuzhou, the brand has made a high-profile sponsorship of the Argentine national football team and set a goal of 10,000 stores in three years. Currently, the mini-program has launched nearly 60 products, covering coffee, tea drinks, cold brew, and other categories, including some of Luckin's hit items. The store model is divided into standard stores and mini stores, with the former accommodating dining and bar scenarios. However, the all-day multi-functional service has not yet been fully implemented, and food and alcohol are still not available. Whether Cotti can use Luckin's "magic" to defeat Luckin is worth continuous attention. [more…]

After leaving Luckin, Lu Zhengyao went through two not-so-successful food and beverage ventures, Qu Xiaomian and Shejian Yingxiong, before ultimately returning to the coffee battlefield he knows best. The first store of the brand-new COTTI COFFEE has officially opened in Fuzhou IFC, offering all-day dining that covers coffee, baked goods, light meals, and alcoholic drinks. The core team mostly comes from Luckin and the Shenzhou system, and the legal representative has been changed to former Luckin CEO Qian Zhiya. On the occasion of the first store's opening, Cotti also announced that it has become the China sponsor of the Argentina national team. Whether this highly anticipated coffee rookie can become Lu Zhengyao's comeback work, and whether it can add another major player to China's coffee market, is worth continued attention. [more…]

90+ (Ninety Plus) is a highly regarded green coffee brand in the specialty coffee world, and its unique flavor symbols and Level grading system often leave enthusiasts confused. This article will start with the L195 grade, systematically sorting out 90+'s grading logic, the meanings of its flavor symbols, its exclusive processing methods (Red, Ruby, Solkiln), and the Profile Processing production system. At the same time, it will explain in detail the representative 90+ coffees recommended by Front Street Coffee, including the flavor characteristics of beans such as Perci, Straight Talk, and Lotus, and their corresponding grades, helping readers fully understand this legendary brand's green coffee philosophy. [more…]