Starbucks (SBUX -1.02%) is making it easier for its Chinese customers to give presents of coffee and other goods to each other. The company announced today that it has introduced its gift cards at select locations in the country. The launch has been timed for several weeks in advance of Chinese New Year, which will take place on January 31.
The cards will be available in three designs. Starbucks will also offer a Chinese New Year-themed card at select outlets in the U.S. to coincide with the launch.
According to the company, $16 billion has been loaded on 450 million cards across 27 countries since the products were introduced 12 years ago.
Although the China/Asia-Pacific region only comprises 6% of Starbucks' total revenue, it is the company's fastest-growing geographic area. The firm recently opened its 1,000th store in China, and plans to open another 750 in the course of this year.
