“What are the possible drawbacks of pre-prepared meals?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In the past few years, many regions in China have adopted centralized kitchens for school meals. Catering companies are tasked to distribute meals to local schools. Concerns have arisen about the health implications of such pre-prepared meal, as parents are worried this could potentially be detrimental to students’ health in the long run. There has […]
Exploring alternatives: Moon Festival gifts beyond mooncakes
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of China’s most cherished traditions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, it revolves around the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and her companion, the Jade Rabbit. Families reunite to admire the full moon, exchange gifts, and […]
Shifting demographics and safety regulations: China’s baby formula market at a crossroads
China’s baby formula market has faced several challenges over the past two decades, leading to a decline in consumer trust. One of the most significant incidents that rocked the industry occurred in 2008, when melamine was found in contaminated baby formula products. Because the toxin was identified in a Chinese brand, the situation scared families […]
South Korea’s seafood market: What will happen to Korea’s favorite foods after the Fukushima waste release?
South Korea ranks among the world’s largest seafood consumers, with seafood consumption per capita of 68.4 kilograms per person in 2020. In 2023, the revenue for South Korea’s seafood market is estimated to be USD 13.98 billion, with an expected annual growth of 4.2%. However, Japan’s controversial release of Fukushima radioactive water brought split opinions […]
From commuting to craze: China’s billion-dollar bicycle market
Since the introduction of the two-wheel pedal bicycle from France to China in 1868, bicycles have been establishing a significant presence within Chinese society. This enduring popularity of bicycles persists to this day. In 2022, the sales manager of Giant’s bicycle shop in Beijing said that the sales of bicycles increased by about 30%. This […]
Forging partnerships: navigating joint ventures in China
China has been an appealing destination for global businesses due to its market size, manufacturing and supply chain strengths, developed e-commerce ecosystem and innovation capabilities. This has led multinationals to enter the Chinese market through exporting, licensing, franchising, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and joint ventures (JVs). JVs allow a foreign company to partner with a local company […]
Exploring the thirst for drink collaborations in China
China’s beverage market is highly lucrative, with revenues projected to reach 504.1 billion RMB in 2023. It is also estimated to achieve an annual growth rate of 9.91% between 2023 and 2027. The market has evolved from primarily tea and traditional drinks to a multifaceted industry that encompasses a wide range of products, including carbonated […]
“The rejuvenation of baijiu should not stop at publicity stunts”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
As anyone on Chinese social media has already seen from the explosive collaboration, in the 1st week of September, domestic coffee chain Luckin Coffee launched a new product “sauce-flavored latte (酱香拿铁),” in collaboration with Kweichow Moutai (贵州茅台), the producer of China’s “National Liquor”, baijiu. This new drink, containing no more than 0.5% alcohol by volume, quickly became a […]
Co-branding in South Korea: From products to unique, fun, and shareable experiences
In the bustling world of South Korean consumer culture, co-branding has become an exciting way for brands to stand out and connect with their consumers. While not a new concept, it gained significant momentum in 2020. With companies struggling economically, they forged partnerships to create more value together. From Kpop stars teaming up with brands […]
South Korea’s automobile industry: From local beginnings to global success
South Korea has become a pivotal player on the global stage in the automotive sector, boasting a remarkable journey of growth spanning the past three decades. Rooted in a history that dates back to 1958, when the first locally assembled car rolled off the production line, the automotive industry in South Korea has evolved into […]
Artificial intelligence in China: from manufacturing hub to global tech innovator
Over time, China is gradually moving away from its cheap-mass-production-based economy and is progressing up the value chain toward the innovative field, especially in high-tech. In particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in China has emerged as a pivotal domain of innovation, becoming a critical factor in different segments of the economy. China has become a global […]
Health supplements and vitamins in China: a promising market dominated by foreign brands
The health supplement and vitamin market in China has been growing rapidly in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, this market witnessed an impressive 45% increase in revenue in China, with sales reaching US$4.7 million in 2022, which surpasses every other country. The function consumers are seeking the most is immunity-boosting and among vitamins, the […]