Goubuli to manage Australian coffee house brands

According to Retail Food Group, there are only eight Gloria Jean's outlets currently in operation in China.

Tony Alford, chief executive of Retail Food Group, said: "The joint venture unites Retail Food Group with a substantial and motivated local partner, well able to apply sufficient resources, retailing expertise and resolve to ensure the success of the enterprise."

Goubuli, with a history of over 150 years, reported a revenue of 1 billion yuan ($161 million) last year. It operates over 30 restaurants across the country, and is also involved in the food-processing, logistics and training industries.

Gloria Jean's currently operates 800 outlets in more than 40 countries, including 400 in Australia.

London-based market research firm Mintel Group expects the total value of the coffee shop market in China to be about 86.8 billion yuan by 2019.