The UKPA reports that conglomerate Whitbread posted a 20% rise in annual profits “following a strong performance from its Premier Inns and Costa coffee brands.” Last year, Costa introduced the flat white to its menu, and the drink was credited with stabilizing the financial outlook for the parent company. This year, according to the report, Costa plans to add another 300 locations to the more than 1,850 already operating.

Costa is thinking big. Next stop: Asia.

- Oliver Strand