智通财经网·2025-10-28 02:06Core Viewpoint - The report from GF Securities indicates that the recent rationalization of delivery subsidies raises concerns about the sustainability of same-store sales growth and the impact of high base pressure starting from April next year. The company believes that leading brands' flagship products have relatively low discount levels, and the focus on low-priced promotional items may affect consumer acceptance of regular-priced tea beverages. The long-term penetration rate logic for tea beverages remains unchanged, and while subsidy reductions may temporarily suppress price-sensitive consumption, diverse consumer needs will continue to cultivate consumption habits [1][2]. Supply Side - The development of fresh tea beverages is shifting from powdered preparation to fresh, healthy options, with high-quality raw materials becoming increasingly common. Continuous upgrades in product quality are being achieved at relatively affordable prices due to the deepening supply chain efforts of leading tea brands. The number of fresh tea beverage stores in China increased from 293,000 in 2019 to 448,000 in 2024, enhancing accessibility and driving structural increases in purchase frequency [1][3]. Demand Side - The demand for fresh tea beverages is evolving from basic functional needs to higher-level demands, including emotional value, health needs, and social needs. This shift is enhancing the irreplaceability of fresh tea beverages, leading to the continuous accumulation of consumer habits [2]. Long-term Outlook - There is significant growth potential for the penetration rate of fresh tea beverages in China, with an average annual consumption of 11 cups per person in 2023, compared to over 50 cups in Hong Kong and Taiwan. The industry is experiencing increasing chain rates and concentration, with the chain rate for fresh tea beverages reaching 56.1% in 2023, up 17.1 percentage points from 2018. Leading brands are rapidly expanding their stores, while smaller brands are being eliminated, indicating a trend towards higher industry concentration [3]. Short-term Outlook - The delivery subsidies from platforms like JD, Meituan, and Taobao have significantly supported same-store sales growth in the fresh tea beverage sector, with daily average orders increasing from approximately 10 million in May to 20 million in July. The company expects strong same-store performance from May to August. A simplified store model analysis shows that brands with stronger bargaining power and effective use of platform rules can benefit more from these subsidies, while some smaller franchisees may experience revenue growth without profit increases [4].