Core Insights - The new tea beverage industry is experiencing a slowdown in store opening speed, with a total of 116,978 stores as of June 2025, reflecting a growth of only 0.74% compared to the end of 2024 [1][2] - The brand landscape is undergoing significant changes, with leading brands expanding steadily while many mid-tier brands face closures, indicating an accelerated process of "survival of the fittest" [1][3] Brand Expansion and Performance - Among the 26 tracked brands, 11 showed positive growth in store numbers, with leading brands like Mixue Ice City and Gu Ming showing robust expansion rates of 4.69% and 9.69% respectively [2][3] - Notable closures were observed in mid-tier brands, with Shuyi Burned Grass experiencing the highest net loss of 1,049 stores, a decline of 18.32% [3][4] - The overall trend indicates that the industry is shifting from quantity-focused expansion to quality-driven strategies, with brands like Mixue Ice City and Gu Ming emphasizing deeper market penetration and operational efficiency [6][8] Market Dynamics and Strategy Adjustments - The number of new cities entered by brands has decreased compared to the previous year, with only 11 brands expanding their city presence while 14 brands exited certain cities [6][8] - Brands are increasingly focusing on optimizing their business models, with stricter franchise management and a shift towards enhancing product offerings and customer experiences [7][8] - The industry is moving towards a "tea + " model, integrating elements like baking, light meals, and retail into their store concepts to meet evolving consumer demands [11][12] International Expansion - The U.S. has become a primary target for international expansion, with brands adapting their business models to fit local markets rather than replicating domestic success [14][21] - Key brands like Heytea and Bawang Chaji are establishing a presence in major U.S. cities, focusing on high-end positioning and localized product offerings [18][19] - The U.S. market for ready-to-drink tea is projected to grow significantly, with a potential market size increase of 5 to 10 times by 2030, driven by favorable consumer preferences [21]