Beyond cravings: How emotional value and cultural identity drive the gummies and jellies market in China
In the gummies and jellies market in China, satisfying a craving remains a primary driver. However, consumers are increasingly seeking emotional relief, the shared experience of being with fans at a concert, and an expression of cultural identity within the Guochao narrative. Download our China’s F&B industry white paper The gummies and jellies market in […]
China’s tea market: How the traditional market is rejuvenating itself
In 2024, Nongfu Spring experienced an unprecedented change: its ready-to-drink tea segment overtook bottled water as its biggest business. This illustrates how quickly the tea industry is changing. As the world’s oldest tea industry, China’s tea industry is being reshaped. Traditional loose-leaf remains the foundation. However, new Chinese-style tea drinks and ready-to-drink tea are rapidly […]
Chinese drinks’ evolution: Health, hype, and the fall of sugar
Carbonated drinks are less popular, while other types of soft drinks are gaining ground Among Chinese consumers (2025), tea drinks was the most frequently consumed beverage (32.9%), followed by fruit/vegetable juices (30.8%) and carbonated drinks (30.5%). The popularity of tea-based beverages and functional drinks reflects a shift in consumer demand, as people increasingly opt for […]
South Korea’s coffee market: From daily necessity to two-speed consumption and visual-driven trends
South Korea’s coffee market remains large and steadily expanding, growing from USD 3.54 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 5.57 billion by 2033 at a 5.21% CAGR. However, as the market moves toward saturation, growth is no longer driven primarily by store expansion. Instead, it is increasingly shaped by premiumization, product diversification, and […]
Chinese wine market: How consumers are drinking differently
For years, wine was closely tied to business dinners, gifting, imported prestige, and formal social occasions. That association weakened after COVID, but the decline did not mean that Chinese consumers lost interest in wine completely. The Chinese wine market is being rebuilt around smaller, lighter, and more intentional drinking occasions. This matters inside the broader […]
The new pour: How premiumization, craft beer, and instant delivery are transforming beer market in China
The beer market in China is undergoing a significant transformation. For years, the industry was all about cheap, mass-market lagers, but the last decade has flipped the script. There is now a huge swing toward craft beer and experimental flavor profiles. This isn’t just a minor trend. It is a full-scale market overhaul led by […]
Food fad sweeping in Korea: How a Dubai chocolate bar sparked a nationwide craze
In 2024, Dubai chocolate became popular in South Korea. Specifically, a single imported chocolate bar from Fix Dessert Chocolatier turned into a nationwide, cross-category phenomenon within months. Introduced as a premium department-store dessert, it rapidly scaled into mainstream convenience retail, cafe chains, and even alcohol, demonstrating how a food fad sweeping in Korea develops and […]
How fitness trends are fueling the protein market in China
The protein market in China is expected to grow from USD 2.76 billion in 2025 to 2.96 billion in 2026. The market is forecasted to reach USD 4.22 billion in 2031 with 7.8% CAGR between 2026 and 2031. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Chinese people have been eating 7 […]
The dual-track brewing strategy: Peet’s Coffee in China’s calculated gamble
Compared to other international coffee giants, Peet’s Coffee entered the Chinese market relatively late, establishing its first international flagship in Shanghai in 2017. Despite this late arrival, the brand experienced rapid and robust growth. In 2024, Peet’s Coffee in China achieved a 23.8% increase in organic sales, driving its parent company’s global revenue to 8.837 […]
The dual trajectory of China’s bakery industry: Hyper-specialization vs. nationwide scale
China’s bakery industry is characterized by extreme competition and diversity, exemplified by a massive disparity in pricing strategies. In cosmopolitan hubs like Shanghai, consumers frequently wait hours and spend upwards of RMB 100 for artisanal, specialized toast. Conversely, on dominant e-commerce platforms like Taobao, top-selling items offer 1kg of toast for just RMB 15. This […]
South Korea’s cake market shaped by iced Americano culture and special occasions
South Korea’s cake market reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior, where desserts are increasingly shaped by emotional value, seasonal demand, and lifestyle alignment rather than taste alone. From winter-driven premium purchases to different flavor preferences and cross-industry collaborations, cakes have become a platform for both commercial innovation and cultural expression. Read our Korea F&B industry […]
South Korea’s chocolate market: Evolving consumer preferences, premiumization, and the rise of global brands
South Korea’s chocolate market is considered mid-sized, influenced by the country’s declining birth rate and the growing trend toward healthier eating habits. Despite these challenges, the market has shown steady growth in recent years, driven by the launch of new products that align with evolving consumer needs and a shift away from mass-produced, sugar-heavy chocolates […]