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 […]
A brand’s guide to Chinese gifting habits
Gifting in China goes beyond just products and special occasions. It includes everyday life and meaningful experiences that can strengthen harmonious relationships. To uncover how gifting habits are being shaped, we conducted in-depth desk research and social listening on major gifting platforms including Taobao (淘宝) and Liwushuo (礼物说) and social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu […]
Chinese Valentine’s Day: decoding how brands craft Qixi campaigns
The Qixi Festival (七夕), also known as the “Double Seventh Festival” or Chinese Valentine’s Day, is a celebration deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It occurs on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This year, it was on the 22nd of August. The festival originates from the legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl […]
Quality, sustainability, and Guochao: three keywords in China’s high-end fashion
Since the end of the pandemic, China’s high-end fashion market has been steadily expanding. Luxury items have become a typical spending choice for many consumers who had to postpone their travels or other leisure expenses. According to Morgan Stanley, this trend is expected to continue throughout 2023, with Chinese consumers projected to increase their purchases […]
El Niño in China: the Chinese economy in the era of climate change
Many nations bordering the Pacific Ocean are significantly impacted by the phenomenon known as “El Niño:” a warm current which leads to high temperatures in many parts of the world, especially America and Asia, disrupting the natural balance of the environment and increasing the risk of floods and other natural disasters. China, too, is now […]
“What do you think of the number of people getting married during May 20th falling off a cliff?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Due to the resemblance of the pronunciation of “520 (wǔ èr líng) or 521 (wǔ èr yī)” and “我爱你, wǒ ài nǐ”, which directly translates to “I love you” in English. It has become a growing trend for people in China to use the date May 20th as an unofficial Valentine’s day. As such, it […]
She economy rising: Decoding the shopping secrets of Chinese women
Chinese women are experiencing a noticeable surge in financial independence. As society undergoes changes, women’s priorities are also shifting. They are moving beyond traditional family roles to prioritize self-care. This report examines diverse consumption patterns among Chinese women, identifying opportunities in the “she economy.” It underscores their pivotal role in household decisions, evolving dynamics, and […]
Surging outdoor activities drive growth in China’s sun protection market
In 2023, the sun protection market in China is projected to exceed 1 billion US dollars, positioning it as the world’s second-largest market in this industry. The leading market, valued at approximately 2 billion US dollars, is currently held by the United States. The sun protection market covers a range of products, including but not […]