Like anything else, there are limits to capitalism.

Just read Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle'. Then compare Chicago 1905 with China today.

Delete 'Beef Trust', insert 'Foxcon' and others.
Delete 'adulterated milk/foods', insert 'adulterated milk/foods'

In Xiamen Starbucks opened Dec 30th. Biggest store in China. Right now they opened 2 more in Xiamen, and a 4th will open in about a month.

They are successful mainly because you can go to any location in the world and get the same exact taste. You know what to expect everytime. Yes there are better cafes, but more the norm in China, there are much worse. Roasting is key, and Chinese roasters are way to light and mild for making quality coffee. Every Starbucks bean in the world is roasted in Seattle. They control the process from one location. Even Yunnan beans are exported to Seattle, roasted, and exported back to China. Like McDonalds, you know what the product will taste like wherever you go. (yuck!) But this is a key to success in the food industry.

So, I don't care if it costs more or not. I do care about good taste. So, not doubt, Starbucks rules in China for me. When I lived in Seattle, 1 of ten times I buy coffee was Starbucks. There they cannot compare to the local roasters.

yeah, :-) capitalism indeed pushes the envelope of 'limits.'

in hong kong, the latest test of 93 vegetables from mainland china shows the level of cadmium reaching 2.4 times the safety limit set by the European Union. rechargeable batteries might make a greener 'world,' not including china? :-0

For LaoTou: Does connoisseur mean same as your connaisseur? And do they both mean awful good at something, like he makes dang good chili? Most times that word is used in Texas has to do with chili.

So people are actually paying for coffee beans being exported all the friggin' way to Seattle, and then all the way back just to be roasted?? No wonder the world is going down the drain.

"Even Yunnan beans are exported to Seattle, roasted, and exported back to China."

Ahhhh, wonderful. Another good reason not to go to starbucks.

"I for one think it's a sad day whenever Starbucks opens in a new city. It'd better if they stayed away."

My thoughts exactly.

bucko...if starbucks roasts all their beans in seattle, wouldn't
they be considered a local roaster in seattle?

Would Walmart be considered a local trader in Bentonville, Arkansas?
Probably not.

wangfujing it is : goo.gl/GVosf