Costa, the Whitbread-owned coffee shop chain, is to more than double production at its London roastery to sate the growing demand for cappuccinos in China.
In a reversal of the 19th century trade that saw “clipper” ships sail east to bring tea back to Britain, the present day coffee business is roasting more coffee at its UK plant and exporting it around the world. It is now building a third roasting unit to supply its outlets in China, which are projected to more than double in number to 500 by 2016.
“Most of our expansion, outside the UK, is being driven by China,” says Christopher Rogers, Costa’s chief executive, adding that the company has also even introduced a “green tea” latte to suit local tastes.