The Journal. The Chinese Coffee Giant Taking on Starbucks
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Jul 30, 2025 
Hannah Miao, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in the coffee industry, dives into the rivalry between Luckin Coffee and Starbucks. She unpacks how Luckin, recovering from a significant accounting scandal, is now thriving in China with its tech-driven approach. Miao discusses Luckin's expansion into the U.S. market, contrasting its rapid growth with Starbucks' struggles to adapt to mobile ordering chaos. The conversation highlights the innovative strategies each brand uses to win over customers in a fiercely competitive landscape.
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Annie Minoff's Luckin Experience
- Annie Minoff tried Luckin Coffee's iced coconut latte in New York using their app for ordering and coupons.
- She found the drink refreshing though not strongly coffee-flavored, showcasing Luckin's app-based, quick service model.
Starbucks Pioneered Chinese Coffee Culture
- Starbucks introduced coffee culture to China starting in 1999, when tea was the dominant beverage.
- This helped set the stage for local competitors like Luckin Coffee to emerge and thrive.
Luckin's Tech-Driven Model
- Luckin Coffee innovated Starbucks' model by focusing on mobile app ordering and coffee delivery.
- Their goal was fast, efficient service with coffee delivered within half an hour.