Latest news with #TimHortons'
Asia News Network
30-06-2025
- Business
- Asia News Network
Changes brewing: Global coffee chains struggle to adapt to Korea's cafe culture
June 30, 2025 SEOUL – Global coffee chains such as the US franchise Blue Bottle and Canada's Tim Hortons, are changing tack in Korea's cutthroat coffee market, where both appear to have muffed their attempts to localize their offerings. Blue Bottle, which entered Korea in 2019 touting its artisanal brewing rituals, has recently traded some of its signature slowness for speed. Its once-prized focus on customer interaction has lost some of its gravitas, now that it's available on local delivery apps like Baemin and Coupang Eats. Perks like size upgrades and app discounts only further blur the lines between craft and convenience. As of October last year, only five of its 17 locations offered delivery. That number has since doubled to 10. According to industry insiders, the shift risks diluting the brand's identity, though it seems a necessary concession to Korean consumer culture. 'Yet, in a market awash with cheap caffeine and fast service, its core values may be hard to maintain,' one insider said. While Blue Bottle's annual sales in Korea rose 17 percent on-year to 31.2 billion won ($22.6 million) last year, operating profit plunged to 200 million won, from 1.9 billion won the previous year and 2.7 billion won in 2021. The company also posted a net loss of 1.1 billion won, its first since entering the Korean market. Another notable entrant, Tim Hortons, which made its Korean debut in 2023, appears to be at a crossroads. In June, the chain shuttered its flagship store in Cheongna, Incheon, its first directly operated location to close. While speculation swirls around Tim Horton's financial struggles in Korea, the company cited a search for a more fitting location to reflect its Canadian roots. The backlash also stems from Tim Hortons' premium pricing strategy in Korea, where prices are 1.5 to 2 times higher than in Canada despite its reputation there for affordability and everyday value. For these newcomers, the hurdles are steeper in the face of fast-growing, budget-minded Korean chains like Mega Coffee, whose 2,000 won Americano delivers enough of a caffeine kick to stand up against Tim Hortons' 4,000 won and Blue Bottle's 5,900 won Americanos. This month, Tim Hortons launched a promotional campaign slashing prices on its signature Iced Capp by 60 percent and offering free Americano coupons to customers who purchased donuts, in a bid to reconnect with Korean consumers. When it comes to strategy, Starbucks, a dominant force in Korea's cafe scene, is an early mover in delivery, having launched the service in April last year. It continues to anchor customer loyalty by doubling down with expanded app rewards and discounts of up to 60 percent. 'Korean coffee consumers move fast and expect brands to keep pace,' said one industry official, urging global chains to stay agile and responsive to local demands. 'Striking the right balance between brand roots and local flavor is critical to success.' Korea's saturated and stratified coffee market indeed breeds stiff competition, in which cafe businesses at every tier are feeling the squeeze. According to Korea's National Tax Service, the number of coffee shops nationwide dipped to 95,337 in the first quarter, down 743 from a year earlier. It's the first recorded decline since the agency began tracking the figure in 2018.
Edmonton Journal
29-06-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Tim Hortons' botched Roll Up to Win class action approved, judge rules, but only for Quebec customers
Article content According to the court decision, the lead plaintiff in the suit received an email on April 17, 2024, informing him that he'd won a Tracker Targa 18 WT 2024 boat and its trailer as part of the Roll Up To Win promotion. Later that day, the company sent out a second email blaming 'technical errors' for the fact that clients had been incorrectly informed they'd won certain prizes. The company also apologized for the frustration. According to Friday's decision, the company argued in part that the communications did not constitute a consumer contract, and therefore should not fall under consumer protection laws. Bisson rejected that argument, noting the promotion required consumers to purchase something to enter. However, he said the company would have the opportunity to argue its case in detail when it is heard on its merits. The judge added that 'an error in Tim Hortons' declaration or a defect in its systems does not exempt it from liability' under Quebec consumer protection laws.
Korea Herald
27-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Changes brewing: Global coffee chains struggle to adapt to Korea's cafe culture
Blue Bottle rethinks its slow-coffee roots; Tim Hortons slashes prices Global coffee chain such as US franchise Blue Bottle and Canada's Tim Hortons, are changing tack in Korea's cutthroat coffee market, where both appear to have muffed their attemps to localize their offerings. Blue Bottle, which entered Korea in 2019 touting its artisanal brewing rituals, has recently traded some of its signature slowness for speed. Its once-prized focus on customer interaction has lost some of its gravitas, now that it's available on local delivery apps like Baemin and Coupang Eats. Perks like size upgrades and app discounts only further blur the lines between craft and convenience. As of October last year, only five of its 17 locations offered delivery. That number has since doubled to 10. According to industry insiders, the shift risks diluting the brand's identity, though it seems a necessary concession to Korean cconsumer culture. 'Yet, in a market awash with cheap caffeine and fast service, its core values may be hard to maintain,' one insider said. While Blue Bottle's annual sales in Korea rose 17 percent on-year to 31.2 billion won ($22.6 million) last year, operating profit plunged to 200 million won, from 1.9 billion won the previous year and 2.7 billion won in 2021. The company also posted a net loss of 1.1 billion won, its first since entering the Korean market. Another notable entrant, Tim Hortons, which made its Korean debut in 2023, appears to be at a crossroads. In June, the chain shuttered its flagship store in Cheongna, Incheon, its first directly operated location to close. While speculation swirls around its financial struggles in Korea, the company cited a search for a more fitting location to better reflect its Canadian roots. The backlash also stems from Tim Hortons' premium pricing strategy in Korea, where prices are 1.5 to 2 times higher than in Canada despite its reputation there for affordability and everyday value. For these newcomers, the hurdles are steeper in the face of fast-growing, budget-minded Korean chains like Mega Coffee, whose 2,000-won Americano delivers enough of a caffeine kick to stand up against Tim Hortons' 4,000-won and Blue Bottle's 5,900-won Americanos. This month, Tim Hortons launched a promotional campaign slashing prices on its signature Iced Capp by 60 percent and offering free Americano coupons to customers who purchased donuts, in a bid to reconnect with Korean consumers. When it comes to strategy, Starbucks, a dominant force in Korea's cafe scene, is an early mover in delivery, having launched the service in April last year. It continues to anchor customer loyalty by doubling down with expanded app rewards and discounts of up to 60 percent. 'Korean coffee consumers move fast and expect brands to keep pace,' said one industry official, urging global chains to stay agile and responsive to local demands. 'Striking the right balance between brand roots and local flavor is critical to success.' Korea's saturated and stratified coffee market indeed breeds stiff competition, in which cafe businesses at every tier are feeling the squeeze. According to Korea's National Tax Service, the number of coffee shops nationwide dipped to 95,337 in the first quarter, down 743 from a year earlier. It's the first recorded decline since the agency began tracking the figure in 2018.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why Canadians are turning on Tim Hortons: A brewing identity crisis
For decades, Tim Hortons has been a cherished symbol of Canadian identity, tied closely to the country's culture and national pride. But in recent months, public sentiment has shifted. Many Canadians are voicing frustration and even outrage over the company's deepening ties to the United States. What was once considered a beloved national treasure is now being criticized for losing its roots. With its parent company headquartered in Miami and a growing perception of American influence, Tim Hortons is facing a backlash that has some customers calling for a boycott and questioning what it truly means to be Canadian. Tim Hortons' American ownership and loss of Canadian identity Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by hockey player Tim Horton and quickly grew into a staple of everyday Canadian life. However, its 2014 acquisition by Burger King, and the resulting formation of Restaurant Brands International, shifted its corporate structure. The company now has its principal executive offices in Miami, and 60 percent of its shares are held in the US. This shift has left many Canadians feeling the brand no longer represents them, despite its ongoing marketing campaigns claiming it is 'proudly Canadian. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo ' Public backlash and cultural disappointment The criticism has been especially vocal online, with Reddit users and commentators expressing disgust over the chain's continued dominance in Canadian life. Some are angry that a company with American leadership is still seen as a Canadian cultural icon. One Reddit user called it 'embarrassing,' while others have accused Tim Hortons of destroying local food culture and selling out its identity. Despite efforts by the company to address concerns through public relations campaigns, many feel these gestures are hollow. Local ownership vs corporate control While Tim Hortons argues it remains Canadian through its franchised business model, with profits going to local Canadian owners, critics are unconvinced. They point out that major corporate decisions are made in the US, and that the branding of "Canadian-ness" is more a marketing tactic than a reflection of values. Business experts say the situation is nuanced, but the symbolic weight of American control has ignited a strong emotional reaction among Canadians. Tim Hortons trying to reclaim national pride In February, Tim Hortons launched a campaign reaffirming its Canadian roots, but the move was met with skepticism. The company's press release titled 'Is Tim Hortons Canadian?' was widely seen as defensive rather than reassuring. Many Canadians now see Tim Hortons as a brand that has drifted too far from its origins, turning what was once a point of pride into a point of contention. Whether the company can win back public trust remains uncertain in a time when national identity feels more contested than ever.
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Canucks angry over iconic coffee chain's US ties: ‘F–k Tim Hortons'
It's an only in Canada crisis! Canucks are torn over whether they should still support the Tim Hortons coffee chain — or boycott, since it is owned by a multinational conglomerate with strong US ties. The topic of whether Tim Hortons is Canadian enough has reached a fever pitch since the trade war that's had many Canadians vowing to boycott everything American – from food and booze to trips to companies. Advertisement 5 'Being Canadian' is literally Tim Hortons' entire identity, so the fact its parent company is American is no small deal. eqroy – 'F–k Tim Hortons. It's embarrassing that they still seem to hold a large part of the Canadian cultural zeitgeist,' wrote one angry Canuck on Reddit. 'RIP Timmie's,' lashed out another. Advertisement The iconic doughnut and coffee shop was co-founded by Toronto Maple Leafs player Tim Horton in 1964, and its 'Canadian-ness' has been the cornerstone of its entire brand. But Burger King bought out Tim Hortons for $11 billion back in 2014, and the merger created Restaurant Brands International. Over time, the conglomerate's Canadian ties became fewer — in the last few months, the company boasted principal executive offices in Miami instead of Toronto. 5 Tim Horton played for the Toronto Maple Leafs for 20 years but spent the last five years of his NHL career in the US, playing for the Rangers, Penguins and Sabres. Getty Images Advertisement 5 Horton opened his first doughnut shop at 34 when he was still playing in the NHL. Four years later, Tim Hortons was already a multi-million-dollar franchise. Getty Images Tim Hortons tried to save the day with an ad campaign in February declaring it to be 'proudly Canadian.' The backlash has been such a big PR crisis for the company, it was forced to issue a press release with the title 'Is Tim Hortons Canadian?' Many saw the move as disingenuous given its corporate overlords, and it did little to stop the raging debate. Advertisement 5 In response to the concerns, Tim Hortons launched its 'proudly Canadian' ad campaign a couple months ago. Tim Horton/Instagram 'I find Tim Hortons especially embarrassing to our national identity. It's been really easy for me to boycott them,' seethed one Canadian in a Reddit discussion this week titled, 'Let's clear the air on Tim Hortons.' 'They're a garbage company…who've destroyed what was once a vibrant doughnut ecosystem in this country,' said another. Karl Moore, a business professor at McGill University in Montreal, said it's a complicated quandary, for Canucks at least. 5 Restaurant Brands International — Tim Hortons' parent company — has corporate offices in Miami. Google Maps Tim Hortons' corporate ownership and decision-making is American, with about 60% of the publicly traded company's shares held in the US. But being a franchised business means local owners get a say. 'It's not a black and white thing,' Moore said. But, he continued, 'It's still very much an iconic Canadian brand — I think that the people who are complaining about it are a bit wound up.' Advertisement Tim Hortons identifies as Canadian, the company insisted to The Post. 'Tim Hortons is a franchised business. Profits made at Tims restaurants in Canada are the profits of Canadian restaurant owners,' said Michael Oliveira, Tim Hortons' director of communications.
