Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-07-24 14:27Core Insights - The demand for "how to drink more refreshingly" is emerging as a new growth point in the beverage market, with major players like Nongfu Spring, Yili, and Mengniu entering the "ice cup" market, which has shifted from a supporting role to a market focus [1][2] Market Trends - The "instant retail" market for ice products is projected to exceed 63 billion yuan by 2026, with ice cups being a core category showing significant growth potential [1] - Ice cup sales have seen a growth rate exceeding 300% for two consecutive years, with per capita annual consumption in first-tier cities reaching 48 cups [4] Consumer Behavior - During the 2025 UEFA European Championship, the takeaway volume of ice cups on the Ele.me platform surged tenfold year-on-year, with a monthly increase of 350% [4] - A specific ice cup product priced at 3.5 yuan sold over 1,000 units in a month on the Meituan platform [4] Product Innovation - The competition in the ice cup market has evolved into a battle of innovation in flavors, shapes, and specifications, pushing brands to continuously iterate their products [5] - Major brands like Nongfu Spring and Yili focus on pure water ice cups, while others like Play Fruit Forest introduce flavored ice cups with fruit content exceeding 20% [5] Differentiation Strategies - Unique ice shapes have become a key differentiator, with products like "moon ice" and "rounded ice" catering to high-end beverages, while other shapes meet various drink texture needs [8][10] - The market has seen a segmentation in specifications, with products like a 130-gram ice cup for individual use and a 750-milliliter ice bucket for sharing [10] Competitive Landscape - The ice cup market has attracted numerous players, creating a competitive landscape where giants like Nongfu Spring, Yili, and Mengniu leverage supply chain and channel advantages [11] - Early entrants like Xiaode Foods and Ice Power adopt differentiated strategies, with some focusing on OEM production for convenience stores and others like Ice Power emphasizing their own brand [11] Future Outlook - Industry experts highlight the need for companies to focus on quality control, technological innovation, and market expansion to transition from "growth in quantity" to "enhancement in quality" in the ice cup market [11]