Starbucks entered the Chinese market in 1999 and has since expanded to over 738 stores in mainland China. It has the largest market share of any coffee shop brand in China at 66%. While coffee consumption in China is still relatively low compared to other countries, it is growing significantly each year as China's economy grows and a larger middle class emerges. Starbucks tailors its offerings to Chinese preferences by providing sweeter coffee drinks and more seating space for socializing over coffee.