[Webinar] A brand’s guide to Chinese gifting habits
Gifting in China goes beyond products and special occasions; it plays a role in fostering relationships from intimate to professional. The range of products being chosen as gifts grows every year, but how one selects gifts for another person is very different from how they shop for themselves. We recently shared a webinar where we […]
Exploring alternatives: Moon Festival gifts beyond mooncakes
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of China’s most cherished traditions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, it revolves around the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and her companion, the Jade Rabbit. Families reunite to admire the full moon, exchange gifts, and […]
“China has banned imports of Japanese aquatic products”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Japan began to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24th. Although IAEA’s report indicates that it complies with international safety standards and executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company claimed the release would be suspended if there were any issues detected. This controversial act has received strong rebukes from neighboring countries and […]
“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 […]
The seafood market in China amid Japan’s import ban and Fukushima water release
China is the world’s first consumer of fish and seafood. In 2023, its revenue is valued to be around USD 88 billion, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% between 2023 and 2028. However, on August 24, Japan discharged potentially radioactive water in the Pacific Ocean and consequently the Chinese government […]
Tripling sales and halving prices: China’s samples market revolutionizing purchases
In recent years, product samples have increasingly influenced full-size purchases, especially in China’s beauty sector. A recent report from China’s e-commerce giant JD.com (京东) and Economic Daily (经济日报) highlights a surge in product sample sales within China’s consumer market. Online sales of sample-sized products in the first half of 2023 are 2.1 times higher than […]
“Why are there fewer and fewer drinks below 5 RMB?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Based on recent field research conducted by Economic View (中新经纬) at supermarkets and convenience stores in Beijing, bottled drinks are overall getting more expensive. Most of which costing over 5 RMB except for bottled water, and even more so any type of bottled drinks under the price of 3 RMB are rare to find on the shelf. This trend […]
“Would you be willing to have pre-prepared food in a restaurant?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
China’s pre-prepared food industry has been booming in recent years with a market size of 59.92 million RMB in 2022, forecasted to reach over a trillion RMB by 2026. Due to the economic and convenient aspects of pre-made food as well as a growing number of restaurant chains, it has become increasingly common for restaurants to opt […]
From pints to palates: the beer market in China is shifting to premium beers
China’s beer market is the most profitable in the world. The most popular beers in the market are produced by local companies, leaving foreign ones struggling to win over a spot for themselves. However, the beer market in China is recently going through a change in consumer habits which might open up new opportunities for […]
Embracing the “New Normal”: unlocking opportunities in China’s wine market
Although wine consumption was not traditionally significant in Chinese culture, the adoption of westernized lifestyles in major urban areas has sparked an increasing interest in wine among Chinese consumers. However, in 2020, with restrictions in the catering industry, including restaurant and bars, and the cancellation of social dining occasions, China’s wine market suffered a sharp […]
Plant-based milk in China: is the future of milk vegan?
Plant-based milk in China has gained increasing popularity as an alternative to traditional dairy milk. Driven by various factors including increasing health consciousness, environmental concerns, and lactose intolerance among consumers, this trend is expected to grow even more, opening unique opportunities for new brands in the Chinese market. Increasing demand of milk substitutes, with soy […]
The US bubble tea market predicted to grow the fastest: Tips for Chinese tea brands to localize
The global bubble tea market is expanding quickly. According to Fortune Business Insights, the size of the global bubble tea market reached US $2.29 billion in 2022. It also forecasts a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5% from 2023 to 2030, expected to exceed $4.08bn in seven years. Another report by Facts & Factors […]