Starbucks China denies reports of supplier shift to Mixue

Starbucks China denied reports that it plans to source paper cups and straws from Chinese beverage chain Mixue Group, dismissing online speculation that the coffee giant is revamping its supply chain to lower costs.

On Tuesday, the company said that claims circulating on social media — including assertions that "Starbucks' paper cups and straws may be manufactured by Mixue" and that the company is changing its coffee bean supplier — are "seriously inaccurate".

"Starbucks China has always adhered to the principle of sustainable, high-quality development," the company said in a statement.

The company added that while it remains open to collaborating with supply chain partners across the industry, it is committed to maintaining consistent product quality and the customer experience associated with the Starbucks brand.

The statement followed local media reports that Zhang Qing, former chief merchandising officer of Sam's Club China, had joined Boyu Capital to help oversee supply chain reforms at Starbucks China.

The speculation comes four months after Starbucks China and Boyu Capital established a joint venture to support the coffee chain's long-term growth and operational development in China on April 2.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn