Starbucks hikes prices as 'costs rise'

Rising costs have contributed to the price surge of some Starbucks drinks on the Chinese mainland. According to the Seattle-based coffee chain, Starbucks stores on the Chinese mainland will adjust their pricing of selected beverages by one or two yuan beginning June 16, 2016. This price adjustment does not involve food, whole bean coffee, merchandise, or Starbucks reward cards.

"We have always taken a long-term approach to pricing by carefully monitoring and evaluating our local market operating costs, including occupancy expenses, distribution, infrastructure, labor, innovations and other operating costs," according to the Starbucks statement.

"Over the past few years, we have increasingly strengthened our investments in coffee, food, store design, employee development, customer experience and digital innovations, in order to enhance the experience and provide maximum value to our partners and customers throughout China."