Starbucks Corp is to work with Suntory Holdings in a bid to expand its offerings in Japanese convenience stores, according to local reports.

Starbucks joined forces with Suntory in September 2005 to launch an RTD coffee beverage in Japan and Taiwan. In 2008 the firm then extended its range, again with Suntory, to include Doubleshot Espresso Doppio and Doubleshot Espresso Con Panna.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz told The Nikkei yesterday (13 April) that the firm aims to continue to “co-develop a number of new offerings” with its partner, without specifying further. He was visiting Japan for the nationwide launch of Starbucks’ Via ready-brew coffee.

Japanese subsidiary Starbucks Coffee Japan aims to launch up to 60 coffeehouses this year, Schultz said.

While the establishment of a store network in the country is still in its early stages, with around 30 openings last year, Schultz maintained that there is “much room for growth”.

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