CharlieTown Milk Tea: The rise of China’s “Hermès of Milk Tea”
CharlieTown Milk Tea has quickly risen to prominence in Shanghai, earning the title of the “Hermès of Milk Tea” among milk tea consumers. First opened in November 2021, CharlieTown Milk Tea has opened a total of 8 stores in the past three years. Despite its high price and minimalist lineup, the brand has captivated both […]
How Southeast Asian (SEA) food & beverage chains are thriving in China
China’s food & beverage market has experienced steady expansion in recent years. From USD 0.76 billion in 2022, it is projected to reach USD 1.62 billion by 2029. This growth makes China a prime market for SEA food & beverage chains in China looking to expand their reach. Download the ASEAN x China business relations […]
Meal kits in China: catering to modern lifestyles with convenience and culinary variety
The surge of meal kits in China finds its roots in the upheaval brought about by the pandemic, which reshaped consumer habits and preferences. As restrictions made it inconvenient for people to dine out, a burgeoning trend of purchasing pre-cooked meal kits emerged, offering a convenient and safer alternative. Ready-to-eat meal kits swiftly gained popularity […]
“ChaPanda dips over 10% on the first day after its IPO”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
ChaPanda (茶百道) made its debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 23rd, earning the title of “the second stock of new tea beverages (新茶饮第二股)” after Naixue, and emerging as a major player in China’s freshly-made tea beverage market by 2023. However, ChaPanda’s stock faced a 10.06% drop on its first day, signaling the intense competition […]
Wellness industry in China: traditional Chinese medicine, mental health apps, and USD10 billion spa empire
The wellness industry focuses on products and services that promote health, well-being, and overall quality of life. It encompasses fitness, nutrition, personal care, mental health, alternative medicine, spa treatments, and more. The wellness industry in China is propelled by the younger generation’s emphasis on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mental health, and aesthetic spa experiences. Furthermore, […]
“First-generation internet-famous bubble tea stores are low-key shutting down”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Once a national obsession among Chinese young people, traditional milk tea appears to be losing its appeal. In the 1st week of December, Weibo netizens were discussing that #first-generation internet-famous bubble tea stores are low-key shutting down# (初代网红奶茶店开始悄悄倒闭). This hashtag garnered over 180 million views within four days. One of China’s most popular milk tea brands, Yi […]
What happens when luxury fashion brands tap into the F&B industry in China
Luxury brands are venturing outside of their core market segment, especially when it comes to Asia. Beyond expanding into fashion-related sectors, such as beauty and jewelry, several luxury fashion brands decided to tap into the F&B industry. In 2015, Gucci made the move to open a restaurant called “1921 Gucci Café” in Shanghai’s luxury shopping […]
Saizeriya in China: how a Japanese chain of Italian food turned into a cult favorite
It has been roughly twenty years since the opening of Saizeriya’s (萨莉亚) very first restaurant in Shanghai in June 2003. By the end of 2021, the Japanese franchise has grown to a total number of over 1,553 outlets across the globe and more than 362 outlets in Mainland China, making it one of the most […]
Glocalization in China: how international F&B brands appeal to Chinese consumers
China’s F&B industry has dramatically evolved over the past decades, reaching 172 billion RMB market value in 2019. Due to the various types of eating habits and tastes of Chinese consumers, F&B brands need to be careful about their strategies when entering the market. In recent years, food shopping habits have drastically changed in China. […]
Here’s what F&B businesses need to know about China’s 2022 food import law
On the 13th of April 2021, the General Administration of Customs of P.R. China (GACC) released two new decrees affecting the food import law. Taking effect on the 1st of January, 2022, decrees 248 and 249 are raising concerns and questions from food importers worldwide, as it is more and more difficult to pass “China’s […]
China Paradigm 112: Opening 8 Shanghai restaurants & clubs in 4 years based on data and tactful branding
Run Shanghai restaurants, bars & clubs Matthieu David interviews Gennadii Bochkar and Chen Feng (Fiona) partners and Co-founders at BIBIMI Group with 10 venues in Shanghai. Situated between the fast-casual and casual dining experiences, the BIBIMI group manages 10 venues successfully and planning to open new spots and even night clubs. But how do they […]
China Paradigm 103: Creating 5 iconic restaurants in 3 different Asian cities
Run restaurants in Asia Matthieu David interviews Philippe Ricard, Founder of La Creperie in Asia. The restaurant business in Asia and all around the world took a big hit with the coronavirus outbreak. But there are some places that can survive anything. La Creperie is a well-established brand in China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong because […]