174,000 openings, 137,000 closures in a year: The evolution and uncertain future of Chinese modern tea sector
The Chinese modern tea sector has matured significantly since 2020, completing a transition from a volume-driven expansion model to a quality-focused era. In terms of growth, we can see this reflected in the shift from an average growth rate of 24.9% CAGR between 2017 and 2022 to a growth rate of 6.4% in 2024. The […]
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 […]
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 […]
How a price war reshaped China’s food delivery empire
China’s food delivery market size reached RMB 1.64 trillion (USD 229 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reach RMB 1.96 trillion in 2027. As of June 2024, the active users of online food delivery services in China amounted to 553 million, accounting for 50.3% of China’s internet user population. This secures China as the […]
Juice in China: healthier, more premium, more exotic
China, as one of the world’s leading producers of fruits and vegetables, has a strong foundation for developing a robust juice industry. In 2024, the juice market size reached USD 20 billion, a 14.6% YoY growth. With Chinese consumers seeking healthier, more premium options, and more exotic flavors, the juice market in China is expected […]
How emerging-tier city consumers drive growth in China’s coffee market
Despite having only truly begun in the 1980s, China’s coffee market has expanded rapidly over the course of the past two decades, thanks to a combination of government investment and a shift in consumer behavior. Coffee is no longer a drink for the “elites” or for white-collar workers, but a daily lifestyle beverage increasingly integrated […]
How the cheese market in China is developing despite widespread lactose-intolerance
According to the 2021 China Dairy Index, most adults in China — roughly one billion people — are lactose intolerant. This high prevalence is largely due to the genetic factors common among Asian populations. However, this doesn’t mean Chinese people don’t consume dairy products at all. In fact, they do but just in smaller amounts […]
Beyond Baijiu: Young consumers, e-commerce, and premium experiences redefining Chinese alcoholic beverage market
The Chinese alcohol market continues to lead globally, reaffirming its position as the world’s largest by market value. According to the latest report from the Chinese Alcoholic Beverage Industry Association (中国酒业协会), China’s brewing industry achieved sales revenue of RMB 1.08 trillion (approximately USD 148 billion) in 2024, reflecting a robust 9.3% year-on-year growth. Concurrently, total […]
From milk tea to chili sauce: Can Sexy Tea (茶颜悦色) catch up with CHAGEE (霸王茶姬)?
Founded in 2013 in Changsha, Hunan, Sexy Tea (茶颜悦色) built its brand around “New Chinese-style Fresh Tea”(新中式鲜茶) focusing primarily on light milk tea (轻乳茶). Thanks to its distinctive flavor and exclusive local business model, it quickly gained popularity. However, while its reputation soared, Sexy Tea remained cautious about expansion and only ventured beyond Changsha […]
Key considerations for foreign brands’ co-branding in China
In recent years, co-branding in China has become very popular, with a wide variety of co-branding targets, from food and drink, clothing, anime, and IP to games. This type of strategic alliance is highly effective in boosting sales and raising brand visibility. To tap into the Chinese market, international brands are diligently navigating the dos […]
The restaurant market in China: adapting to evolving consumer tastes and technologies
The restaurant market in China has witnessed a significant rebound following the pandemic. In 2023, the Chinese food service market reached RMB 5.2 trillion (USD 717.6 billion), marking a 20.6% year-on-year increase, and essentially returning the market scale of the catering industry to pre-pandemic levels. In the near future, the growth rate of the catering […]