Beyond sugar-free: What’s next for the soft drinks market in China
The soft drinks market in China encompasses ready-to-drink, non-alcoholic beverages (including concentrates) with 0.5% or less of ethanol. It includes bottled water, fruit and vegetable juices, protein beverages, carbonated beverages (sodas), and others, for a total of 11 major categories. The industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation: growth is shifting from volume to value and […]
How China’s confectionery market stays relevant amid rising health awareness
Even as health awareness in China is expanding, including in emerging tier cities, consumers continue to demand confectionery products. Rather than treating them as occasional treats, they consume them more often as small pleasures that help them relieve stress and improve their mood. They even seek functional ingredients like collagen, vitamins, and TCM ingredients. Meanwhile, […]
How China’s stricter regulations reshape, not replace, vaping in China
China’s vaping market used to be fast-growing and free-for-all. Now it’s a tightly controlled, state-run system. Retail sales peaked at RMB 19.7 billion (USD 2.9 billion) in 2021 and then shrank to USD 2.67 billion. Rather than suppressing the market, strict regulations just changed how brands compete. Today, there are two markets running side by […]
How does China’s Stock Market work and why does it lag behind the country’s economic growth?
Since the founding of China’s stock market with the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1990, China’s economy has experienced tremendous growth. Hence, one would expect China’s stock returns to be equally fruitful, as stock market performance is normally closely tied with a nation’s economic performance. However, that is not the case. […]
RTD market trends in China: The emergence of a health-conscious consumer
Four criteria influence Chinese beverage consumers’ decisions (N=1,168, 2026 April) when purchasing ready-to-drink (RTD) drinks. When asked to select influencing factors (multiple choice), 41% cited taste, while 35% cited each of safety, health attributes, and functional benefits. And finally, functional benefits at 35%. It is reasonable to assume that a beverage combining these various requirements […]
From volume to value: Chinese instant noodle market enters a new phase of competition
In today’s fast-paced urban life, time has become increasingly fragmented. Long working hours, commuting, and digitally connected lifestyles leave many Chinese consumers with limited time to prepare meals at home. As a result, convenience has become a key factor shaping daily food choices. While Chinese food delivery platforms have expanded rapidly, instant food continues to […]
China’s dairy market: Lactose intolerant, yet increasingly health-conscious
China is one of the world’s largest dairy markets after the US and remains the largest importer of dairy products globally. The market continues to expand in value terms, reaching USD 74.2 billion in 2025 and projected to grow to USD 93.6 billion by 2031, despite broader FMCG stagnation, where total market value grew by […]
How current lifestyle is shaping the Chinese sleep economy
As economic pressure and fast-paced urban lifestyles reshape daily routines, many people in China are experiencing growing levels of stress in both work and personal life. Sleep problems, particularly insomnia, have become an increasingly common concern. Long working hours, digital habits, and irregular schedules are contributing to shorter sleep duration and declining sleep quality for […]
China’s pet food market: The engine behind China’s pet economy
China’s pet market is experiencing rapid growth, surpassing RMB 593 billion in 2023, a 20% year-over-year growth and a compound annual growth rate of 25% from 2015. At the heart of this expansion lies the pet food market, which accounted for 52% the total pet market spending. Once considered a niche, the pet food market […]
The ice cream market in China: Healthier, cheaper, and aesthetically pleasing
Since 2014, China has been the largest ice cream market in the world. In 2024, it reached USD 23.2 billion, or 20% in the world and 53% in the Asia Pacific. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% until 2033, more rapidly than the global rate of 4.3%. Cities in the eastern […]
Structural shift in consumption: The rise of the silver economy in China
Driven by one of the fastest-aging populations globally, China is entering a demographic turning point that will redefine how businesses, governments, and families think about aging, longevity, and value creation. The silver economy in China has become one of the most structurally important forces reshaping consumption, public policy, and service innovation. Understanding China’s seniors is […]
China’s hotel market: Demand is back, with more hotel chains
Since 2024, China’s hotel market’s post-pandemic recovery-driven growth has come to a complete end, with the country returning to pre-2020 market levels. Demand remains strong, but revenue growth stagnates China’s hotel demand has largely recovered, but revenue growth has stagnated. Domestic trips grew 16% year-on-year in 2024, and nationwide occupancy returned to around 65–70%, close […]