商业头条No.103 | 奶茶店，够了

Core Insights - The tea beverage industry in China is experiencing a significant slowdown after a period of rapid expansion, with many brands facing challenges in maintaining profitability and growth [1][3][20]. Industry Overview - The tea beverage market has seen a surge in the number of companies, with over 1.1 million related enterprises expected by 2025, and a total of 131,000 stores for 30 representative brands as of September [5]. - The growth rate of new store openings has drastically decreased, with major brands like Bawang Chaji seeing a drop from 20%-49% to single digits [3][6]. Company Performance - Bawang Chaji's franchisees are struggling with declining profit margins, with net profit rates dropping by over 50% this year [3][20]. - The company reported a 9.4% decline in net revenue and a 22.3% drop in adjusted net profit for Q3, with total GMV in Greater China down by 6% [25]. - Other brands like Tea Baidao and Gu Ming also reported significant declines in profitability, with Gu Ming's single-store GMV down by 4.3% year-on-year [25][26]. Franchisee Challenges - Franchisees are facing increased operational costs due to high rental prices and the need for discounts to attract customers, leading to a situation where actual income is significantly lower than expected [11][20]. - The introduction of new tax regulations has further complicated the financial landscape for franchisees, increasing their tax burden despite rising reported revenues [29]. Market Dynamics - The saturation of the market has led to a decrease in consumer interest, with many consumers now opting for lesser-known brands over established ones due to price sensitivity [19][20]. - The lack of innovation in product offerings has resulted in a homogenization of new products across brands, diminishing brand loyalty among consumers [12][19]. Strategic Responses - In response to these challenges, companies are focusing on optimizing supply chains and product differentiation, with brands like Tea Baidao and Heytea announcing strategic shifts to improve profitability [31][34]. - Bawang Chaji is implementing a new joint venture model to reduce costs for franchisees, aiming to improve their profit margins by adjusting fees and material costs [34]. International Expansion - While the domestic market faces challenges, brands like Bawang Chaji and Heytea are successfully expanding overseas, with significant growth rates in international markets [35][39]. - The relatively simple operational model of tea beverages allows for easier entry into foreign markets, providing new growth opportunities for these companies [39].