Yili bakes up Western recipe for success

For a good example of how China's time-honored brands are embracing new retail channels, consider Century Yili, a bakery that's long been famous for its delicious pastries and breads.

Finding itself up against competition with new brands selling Western-style cakes, Yili is now offering its products in brick-and-mortar cafes, including one in Shuangjing, the southeastern part of Beijing, that wouldn't be out of place in, say, Europe or North America.

The 150-square-meter cafe encompasses both Western and Chinese style delicacies, including cakes, light refreshments, fast food and salads. Its brand elements can be found everywhere, including the logo of Beibingyang soda - a white bear - printed on wall hangings.