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.