Australian caf_ franchise Jamaica Blue has opened its 11th China caf_ in Shanghai with licensees Peter Wang and Julia Y Gu heading up their sixth Shanghai outlet. There are plans for additional Jamaica Blue cafes in China, with the 12th caf_ under construction in Nantong.

Sarah Bolton-Hall, communications manager for Jamaica Blue licensor Foodco Group, said “Foodco Group established a licensee agreement with Peter and Julia who have since developed a strong brand reputation throughout the 11 China cafes. Foodco Group supports the China licensees with consultation on operations, marketing and training. We are very proud to have them representing our Australian brand overseas.”

The pair opened their first Jamaica Blue cafe in 2005 in the Summit Building in Shanghai as an espresso bar. Julia Y Gu said the brand serves both the growing expat community and local residents.

“Jamaica Blue really stands out in the Chinese market for its western style caf_ menu and range of fine coffees, which is more unusual in China. The exclusivity of the high quality coffee — the Jamaica Blue Signature Blend and renowned Wallenford Estate Jamaica Blue Mountain single origin — gives our brand an edge over the more generic blends served by our competitors.”

Before moving to China, the husband and wife team were frequent customers at the Chatswood Chase coffee franchise in Sydney.

Open seven days from 7.30am to 5pm, the new caf_ in Pudong, Shanghai will serve a range of customers, catering for a host of surrounding office buildings and residential apartments.