Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2026-01-19 08:41Core Insights - The beverage industry is shifting from merely quenching thirst to emphasizing health attributes, with this trend expected to be more pronounced by 2025 [1] - Reports indicate that low-sugar and no-sugar options will become standard in the beverage market by 2025, reflecting a clear trend towards health-conscious consumption [1] - The industry is experiencing a bifurcation, with some companies capitalizing on market trends for growth while others face declining performance [1] Industry Performance - In November 2025, China's beverage production reached 10.46 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 0.4%, with a cumulative production of 165.61 million tons from January to November, reflecting a 3.3% growth [2] - Eastroc Beverage reported impressive performance with a revenue of 16.844 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, a 34.13% increase year-on-year, while Nongfu Spring achieved a revenue of 25.622 billion yuan, up 15.6% [2] - Conversely, traditional giants like Master Kong faced challenges, with a revenue decline of 2.7% in the first half of 2025 [2] Segment Analysis - Sales of tea beverages fell by 6.3% to 10.67 billion yuan, fruit juice sales dropped by 13.0% to 2.956 billion yuan, and packaged water sales decreased by 6.0% to 2.377 billion yuan [3] - Carbonated and other beverages saw a growth of 6.3%, reaching 10.256 billion yuan [3] - The plant-based protein drink segment struggled, with leading brands like Yangyuan and Chengde Lulux experiencing revenue declines of 7.64% and 9.42%, respectively [3] Competitive Landscape - Companies are adjusting to revenue declines, with some experiencing double-digit drops; for instance, China Resources Beverage's revenue fell by 18.5% to 6.206 billion yuan [4] - The competitive landscape is marked by price wars, particularly in the packaged water segment, leading to significant revenue drops for brands like "Yibao" [4] - Analysts suggest that the success of Nongfu Spring's tea segment indicates a shift from basic hydration to quality tea beverages, while traditional companies must innovate to escape the price war trap [4] Emerging Trends - The rise of functional beverages is evident, with products tailored for specific scenarios, such as sports and fitness, gaining traction [7] - Brands are focusing on packaging innovations and marketing strategies that align with health and fitness trends, such as electrolyte water and convenient single-use formats [7][8] - The health and wellness segment is seeing explosive growth, with numerous new brands entering the market, particularly in traditional Chinese health drinks [6] Leadership Transition - The beverage industry is witnessing a generational shift, with new leaders taking over established companies, such as Wei Hongcheng at Master Kong and Xu Yangyang at Dali Foods [9][10] - These new leaders bring fresh perspectives and experiences, which may help navigate the challenges of a saturated market [11] - However, not all transitions are smooth, as seen in the ongoing succession issues at Wahaha, highlighting the complexities of generational change in the industry [11]