陳蕙雅思閱讀短文 - 央視說星巴克“你價錢太高了”

央視前兩天說星巴克價格太貴啦，特別是在中國這地界上，連英國電視臺都來旁觀了……

The world's largest coffee chain, Starbucks, has come under fire in China for reportedly charging locals higher prices than in other major markets.

The official China Central Television (CCTV) claimed Starbucks earns higher margins in China due to its pricing.

Starbucks is the latest foreign company to come under scrutiny from Chinese media over its pricing practices.

Earlier this year, Apple and Nestle were also put under pressure to review their prices or customer service.

Starbucks is rapidly expanding in China, which is set to overtake Canada as its second-biggest market next year.

In the CCTV report that aired on Sunday, it said a medium-size latte in Beijing costs 27 yuan (£2.70;$4.43), or about one-third more than at a Starbucks in Chicago.

"Starbucks has been able to enjoy high prices in China, mainly because of the blind faith of local consumers in Starbucks and other Western brands," Wang Zhendong, director of the Coffee Association of Shanghai, told CCTV.

Starbucks said its prices reflect higher food and logistical costs in China.

The issue became one of the most popular talking points on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter, where many users seemed to rally to Starbucks' side.

"Those who are saying Starbucks is expensive are probably those who don't drink much coffee," one user said. "The prices are competitive and the quality makes people feel safe."