User Consumption Scenarios - The two classic consumption scenarios for milk tea are self-drinking and social drinking, with distinct user demands and decision-making processes [3][4][5] - In the self-drinking scenario, users make independent decisions based on personal preferences, while in the social scenario, group dynamics influence brand choices [6][10] - Peak ordering times for milk tea on delivery platforms occur between 14:00 and 16:00, indicating a strong social consumption trend during afternoon breaks [3][6] Competitive Analysis - In the self-drinking scenario, milk tea competes with ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, with acceptable price ranges for milk tea being 10-15 yuan in urban areas [9][12] - The social scenario presents more complex competition, as users are willing to pay a premium (15-30 yuan) for products that fulfill both physiological and social needs [10][12] - The competition landscape includes not only direct milk tea brands but also RTD beverages and coffee, necessitating a broader analysis of pricing strategies [12][13] Product Structure - Milk tea products can be categorized into two main attributes: product attributes (easily replicable and deliverable) and service attributes (localized and dependent on human interaction) [14][18] - The trend indicates a shift towards product attributes in milk tea, with brands attempting to increase service attributes for higher pricing, though this may limit market reach [19][20] Cultural Context - The relationship between product and culture is complex, with tea and coffee cultures not significantly influencing the milk tea market in China [21][25][28] - Brands emphasizing cultural narratives may limit their appeal to broader consumer bases, as most users prioritize taste over cultural associations [29] Product Extension - Brands are encouraged to focus on internal product extensions (new flavors) rather than external (new product categories) to meet user demands effectively [33][34] - The rapid introduction of new products in the milk tea market reflects intense competition, with brands launching numerous new items to attract consumers [41] User Consumption Habits - Milk tea consumption is characterized by a tendency towards variety-seeking, with users willing to try new flavors and products [40][41] - The market is entering a phase of intense competition, leading to a rapid increase in new product launches as brands strive to maintain consumer interest [41] Brand Collaborations - The trend of frequent brand collaborations (149 instances in 2024) serves to enhance brand visibility and attract new consumer segments [42][43] - Collaborations can activate consumer interest in the milk tea category, particularly in the self-drinking scenario where impulsive purchases are common [49] Brand Case Study: Heytea - Heytea's fluctuating market position reflects challenges in maintaining user value amidst increasing competition and changing consumer preferences [50][53] - The brand's reliance on collaborations and pricing strategies indicates a need to clarify its market positioning to sustain growth [53] Membership and Loyalty Programs - The development of membership programs in the tea beverage market is still in its early stages, with many brands struggling to implement effective loyalty strategies [55][56] - A successful membership model requires a shift from customer acquisition to retention, emphasizing the importance of stable consumer relationships [56] Local Economic Model - The local economic model for milk tea shops focuses on meeting specific consumer needs within a defined area, with delivery services expanding market reach [57][58] - Brands are increasingly adopting strategies to enhance order efficiency and customer service capabilities to compete effectively in the market [58] Market Overlap Analysis - Analysis of store overlap among major brands reveals significant competition dynamics, particularly between brands like Luckin Coffee and Bawang Chaji [63][64] - Understanding the competitive landscape and store proximity can inform strategic decisions for market positioning and expansion [64][65]