On October 25, 2024, Grid Coffee celebrated the grand opening of its first store in Nanjing, located at MixC World. This milestone follows the brand’s successful debut in Sanlitun, Beijing, where it sold 1,000 cups of black coffee on its first day, garnering widespread acclaim for its distinctive offerings and brand identity.
Grid Coffee has quickly established itself as a leading boutique coffee brand in China, now operating 50 stores across six cities. Its unique positioning is underscored by its collaboration with Gucci for the Ancora global tour in March 2024.
A Focus on Single-Origin Coffee
Grid Coffee specializes in single-origin coffee, allowing each cup to reflect the unique terroir from which its beans are sourced. The brand ensures that all its coffee meets the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) cupping standard of over 84 points, exceeding the typical benchmark for premium coffee. By employing customized roasting techniques and stable brewing equipment, Grid Coffee aims to highlight the natural flavors of its beans.
The brand’s commitment to authenticity is further demonstrated through its “origin season” activities, which take place twice a year. These initiatives deepen the connection between customers and coffee-producing regions such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Yunnan, offering consumers a tangible understanding of the coffee’s rich narratives and origins.
Quality Ingredients and Innovative Brewing Techniques
Grid Coffee adheres to a philosophy of simplicity and quality, brewing coffee without added sugars or syrups to preserve the natural flavors. The menu features diverse black coffee options, including eight single origins and three brewing methods: Americano, cold brew, and hand brew. The brand’s Pro series showcases rare beans with distinct profiles, emphasizing flavor and professionalism.
Innovations at Grid Coffee include the POE (Pour-Over Express) method, which utilizes the Marco SP9 brewing system from Ireland. This semi-automated process enhances efficiency and consistency, allowing customers to enjoy high-quality hand-poured coffee with minimal wait time. The Nanjing location’s opening saw an impressive record of 1,000 cups sold in just two days.
Distinctive Flavors and Local Design Inspirations
Grid Coffee’s Nanjing store design pays homage to the city’s rich heritage, incorporating red brick elements and drawing inspiration from local landscapes, such as the vibrant bald cypress forests. The store features a warm, layered aesthetic with wood and stone materials, creating an inviting atmosphere for coffee lovers.
As part of the opening celebration, customers who purchase two cups of select star coffee sets receive a limited-edition refrigerator magnet from the brand’s “origin shuttle series.” Each magnet features designs inspired by prominent coffee-growing regions, including Kenya, Yemen, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Yunnan.
With its focus on quality, innovative brewing methods, and a commitment to storytelling through coffee, Grid Coffee continues to redefine the specialty coffee experience in China. The new store in Nanjing invites coffee enthusiasts to explore the unique flavors of single-origin brews while celebrating the brand’s dedication to excellence.
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