Chinese coffee chain Cotti Coffee has launched its first stores in Vietnam, as part of its global expansion unveiled last month. 

And its launch in Malaysia is imminent, with at least one store under construction.

The brand debuted in Vietnam with three stores located in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Thanh District, District 5 and Tan Binh District. 

Founded by former Luckin Coffee executives Charles Lu and Jenny Qian in August 2022, Cotti Coffee currently operates more than 6000 outlets across China, making it one of the largest coffee chains in the country. 

Since its establishment, the brand has spread to 328 cities in 28 countries and markets. It is also the official global sponsor of Argentina’s national football teams.

Vietnam is the brand’s sixth foreign market, joining South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong. Malaysia – where a store is set to open any day in Johor Bahru, across the causeway from Singapore – will mark the seventh.

Vietnam is regarded as one of the challenging markets for global coffee brands due to its drinking culture; however, it is also a potential playground as some brands made their debut this year and others planned to strengthen their presence in the country, including Starbucks, % Arabia, and Cafe Amazon.