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 […]
From larou to jamón: China’s cured meat market amid domestic dominance and global allure

Created as a way to prevent decomposition and facilitate the transportation of food, the cured meat market in China preserves an age-old tradition. In 2023, it reached a revenue of more than RMB 61 billion (USD 8.4 billion) and is expected to have a year-on-year increase of 8% by 2024. Cured meats are more than […]
China’s food & beverage industry white paper

The shifting dynamics of Chinese dietary habits reflect a complex blend of socio-economic and cultural influences. With rising prosperity and heightened health awareness, consumers are increasingly valuing quality and freshness in their food choices, driving a trend toward premiumization. This shift extends to beverages, where the burgeoning popularity of healthier options and the coffee craze […]
Brewing a remarkable resurgence: Luckin Coffee’s tale of innovation and redemption

In the hyper-competitive Chinese coffee market, few stories are as gripping as that of Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡). Once embroiled in a scandal that led to its expulsion from Wall Street in 2020, Luckin Coffee has not just clawed back to its former glory but has also eclipsed some of the industry giants. As of early […]
Yum China’s weaving success through digitalization, localization, and CSR

Yum China holds a pivotal position in China’s F&B industry, being a key player with a diverse portfolio of well-established brands. The company, formerly known as Yum! Brands China Division, became independently listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2016, under the ticker symbol YUMC, with its headquarters in Shanghai. As of February 8, […]
[Webinar] South Korea’s MZ Generation

The MZ Generation (MZ세대), encompassing both Millennials and Gen Z, has emerged as a crucial consumer demographic drawing widespread attention. As popular as the term is, it is often misused and overly generalized, not just by individuals but also by the media. To shed light on the accurate characterization of this consumer group, Daxue Consulting […]
HEYTEA’s path to buzz in China and beyond through digital marketing and co-branding

Established in Guangdong in 2012, HEYTEA (喜茶) is a new-style tea drink brand that blends traditional Chinese tea culture with modern aesthetics, acclaimed for inventive teas and chic outlets. As of May 2023, it boasts 241 stores across China, concentrating on first and second-tier cities in the East and South. Moreover, the brand’s international growth is noteworthy, […]
China’s bakery industry amid health-conscious trends and digital delights

The baked goods market in China gained momentum in 1980 and experienced significant growth between 2000 and 2010. During this period, numerous foreign brands entered the Chinese market, establishing baked goods as a popular breakfast choice for many Chinese people. In 2022, China’s baking industry surged to RMB 285.3 billion, continuing its post-pandemic recovery and […]
Bubbles, AI, and health-awareness: driving forces in the soft drinks industry in China

The soft drinks industry in China is extremely popular. As of August 2023, it generated a revenue of more than USD 37.2 billion (RMB 266.8 billion) and it’s projected to reach more than USD 41 billion (RMB 294.1 billion) at the end of the year. The market is also characterized by a very high production […]
Xiaohongshu’s Foodie Marathon boosts Shanghai’s culinary scene

On the 17th of July 2023, the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu launched the “100 Stores Exploration Plan” (100家探店计划), which will end on the 31st of December, 2023. This event was launched in several big cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing. The event involves visiting 100 stores and sharing relevant posts on the platform. […]
From Genki Forest to Chi Forest: a Chinese soda brand planning to become the “Coca-Cola” of China

Founded in 2016, Chi Forest (previously known as Genki Forest) is a Chinese soft drink brand that specializes in sparkling water and instant tea. It is also renowned for its low-calorie, low-sugar products, catering to the Chinese Generation Z and Millennials, who seek healthier consumer options. Being only 7-year-old Chi Forest became the fastest-growing beverage brand in […]
Convenience stores in South Korea: transcending the mere label of convenience

Convenience stores in South Korea are continuing to grow, surpassing 50,000 stores in 2022. CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven are three of the biggest convenience store chains in the country. With these three leaders, the market size for convenience stores in South Korea is expected to be USD 25.08 billion in 2023, marking an estimated growth […]