China’s spirits market: DIY mixology and pre-mixed drinks on the rise
The spirit market is growing in China, and mixology has become a trend that’s been popular on social media platforms. The revenue of alcohol sold in supermarkets and convenience stores in China amounts to USD 205.7 billion as of July 2025, compared to the alcohol revenue generated in restaurants and bars, which is USD 119.2 […]
Pang Dong Lai’s success story: A blueprint for the future of retail
Pang Dong Lai (胖东来) is a retail store chain founded in March 1995 by Yu Donglai. It is headquartered in Henan, China, with a total of 13 stores in Xuchang and Xinxiang. In 2024, they reported a total sale of RMB 17 billion, with a profit of over RMB 800 million. On average, the profit […]
Coconut water in China: Soaring popularity in China’s wellness economy
China’s coconut water market has surged in recent years, transforming from a niche segment into a booming industry. Coconut water in China has been driven by rising health awareness and savvy marketing, making it one of the fastest-growing beverage categories in China. Once a niche beverage, the coconut water market in China grew from just […]
The spiritual economy in China: psychological comfort for young people
In recent years, Xuanxue (玄学), an esoteric discipline rooted in Chinese philosophy, has become a powerful driver of the growing spiritual economy in China. Xuanxue is an ancient cultural tradition, dating back to Wei and Jin dynasties in ancient China. It covers many fields, such as numerology, feng shui, divination, etc., and synthesizes the teachings […]
China’s yogurt market: a billion-dollar opportunity for brands
Despite most Chinese people’s lactose intolerance, China’s yogurt market is set to increase in the coming years. Yogurt is more attractive to Chinese consumers than any other milk product. This is because 90% of Chinese people have allergic reactions to dairy products, and yogurt breaks down a large portion of lactose during fermentation. As the […]
Chinese mini dramas: A new frontier for brand storytelling
Chinese mini dramas (also known as micro dramas) first appeared in China in 2018, shortly after Tiktok’s debut, and have since exploded in popularity, especially among younger viewers. These bite sized stories are filmed vertically and somewhere between 1 to 3 minute per episode. Initially, these stories gained traction for their compact narratives, fast pacing, […]
Bottled wellness: How healthy drinks in China became a leading category
Healthy drinks in China have been booming as consumers shift from sugary, high-fat options to natural, simple-ingredient beverages, driving strong segment growth. Data shows that in 2024, China’s overall beverage sales grew 7.8%, but healthier categories outpaced this. For instance, the ready-to-drink (RTD) teas jumped 16.6% year-on-year, and functional beverages rose 12.1%, even as traditional […]
China’s baby formula market: Structured recovery and shifting consumer demographic
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 shook the industry occurred in 2008. Melamine was found in contaminated baby formula products. The toxin was identified in a Chinese brand. However, it rippled across the industry. […]
Aldi in China: Riding the wave of consumption downgrade
Aldi’s strategic positioning in China In China’s fiercely competitive retail landscape, international giants like Carrefour and Tesco have struggled to gain traction. Yet, the German discount supermarket chain Aldi has defied the odds and carved out a successful niche in China. The chain achieved RMB 2 billion in sales in 2024, a 100% increase year-on-year. […]
POP MART in China: How it became a brand that pops to mind
In July 2016, POP MART in China introduced blind boxes, signifying its evolution from a conventional toy distributor to a pop toy intellectual property operator. Not long after in 2020, it was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, paving the way for international expansion. Its revenue from Mainland China in the first half of […]
Overview of China’s 618 2025 results: the longest 618 ever
China’s 618 2025 results showed that the total online sales during the festival period (spanning May 13–June 18) reached RMB 8.6 trillion, a 15.2% increase from the previous year. Platforms named this year as the “史上最长618” (the longest 618 in history), a format designed to sustain consumer interest and enhance the festival with additional holidays […]
How subsidies and AI are fueling China’s consumer electronics market in 2025
The Chinese consumer electronics market maintained its position as the largest in the world with an estimated market size of USD 212.9 billion in 2025. Furthermore, its growth potential will continue to be unleashed by the recent round of subsidies and developments in AI technology. The expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.84% from […]