The US specialty coffee roaster and café chain has already built strong brand recognition in South Korea following a nine-year packaged coffee and ready-to-drink partnership with MH Partners
Intelligentsia Coffee is poised to open its first international store in South Korea in partnership with its long-term Seoul-based distributor MH Partners.
The specialty coffee roaster and café chain, which currently operates 12 US stores, will open its first site in Seoul's Seochon neighbourhood on 23 February 2024. The brand is exploring opportunities for additional sites in the east Asian country.
Intelligentsia’s packaged coffee and ready-to-drink (RTD) products have been available in premium coffee shops and via the Market Kurly e-commerce platform in South Korea since 2015 via MH Partners.
As a local partner, the coffee import and distribution company has worked closely with JAB-Holding backed Intelligentsia on store design, menu development and barista training for its Seoul debut.
“We are excited to further our commitment to the specialty community in South Korea where a growing number of coffee drinkers share our passion for extraordinary coffee. We believe coffee is a culinary experience. Our goal is to bring this perspective to South Korea and showcase the best we have to offer in premium specialty coffee experiences, hospitality, and service,” said James McLaughlin, CEO, Intelligentsia Coffee.
