Starbucks announced today that it will open its first location in Cambodia in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The opening represents the company’s 16th market in the China-Asia Pacific region.
The first location will open at the newly expanded Phnom Penh International Airport by the end of 2015, with an additional store planned for an early 2016 launch in downtown Phnom Penh.
John Culver, group president, China/Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands, expressed pride in entering such a culturally rich market.
Starbucks has more than 5,200 stores, employing more than 80,000 people across 15 markets in the China/Asia Pacific region alone.
“Cambodia is a vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage, and we are proud to bring the unparalleled Starbucks Experience to this market,” said Culver.
“We look forward to becoming a part of Cambodia’s local coffee culture, embracing its traditions and sharing our deep passion and knowledge of the best coffees from around the world.”
The venture is part of Starbucks 15-year collaboration with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group. Starbucks entered the Cambodian market through a licensing agreement with Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited, which is part of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.
Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited is tasked with managing location as well as stewarding the brand growth in the Kingdom of Cambodia market.
Maxim has had strong success growing the 44-year-old Starbucks brand throughout Hong Kong, Macau and, most recently, Vietnam.
“We are pleased to be extending our partnership with Starbucks to Cambodia and look forward to leveraging our expertise and knowledge of the Starbucks brand to deliver the Starbucks Experience to customers in the market,” said Michael Wu, Chairman and Managing Director, Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.
Hong Kong Maxim’s Group Starbucks operations has more than 150 stores in Hong Kong and Macau, while operating 15 stores in Vietnam through Viet Idea Food and Beverages Limited, a sub-licensee of Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Limited, which is also a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.
Through various partnerships and licensing structures Starbucks has more than 5,200 stores employing more 80,000 people across 15 markets in the China/Asia Pacific region alone.
