US-based Starbucks has furthered its expansion in China by opening in five more cities this month, taking its coverage to 44. In the past year, the coffee shop chain has successfully entered 13 new cities in mainland China as part of its mission to be the dominant player in the coffee sector. Starbucks plans to open approximately 150 outlets in the country in 2012, targeting 1,000 shops by 2015.

President of Starbucks China and Asia Pacific John Culver said: "Entering five new Chinese cities this month demonstrates our strong commitment to China, our second home market outside of the United States. Starbucks has never been better positioned for sustained profitable growth than we are today and we aim to accelerate this momentum in 2012. We look forward to opening more stores and entering more new cities to reach Chinese consumers."