May 20 - Starbucks has unveiled proposals to expand its UK operations with a raft of new outlet openings.

UK Managing Director Darcy Willson-Rymer said that while the company had almost 750 shops in the UK and Ireland, he didn't consider the coffee market to be saturated.

He said the company was evaluating the best way to get its recently-launched instant coffee product to more people - after trialling the product in 32 outlets in London.

Market analysts have commented that Starbuck's launch of its instant coffee has tapped into a trend of greater home drinking in the wake of the economic downturn. The company has stated the timing of the launch and the financial crisis was coincidental.

Industry insiders predict that Starbucks will attempt to boost its instant coffee sales by selling through other retail outlets such as supermarkets, as it has in selected US cities.