China’s big food chains retreat from deep discounts – report

Group 1 - Leading restaurant and beverage operators in China are increasing prices and scaling back subsidies on food delivery platforms, indicating an end to aggressive discounts and price wars [1][4] - Yum China Holdings-operated KFC raised its delivery prices by an average of 0.8 yuan ($0.12) last month [1] - Coffee chain Cotti has ended its "9.9 yuan a cup" promotion, with most delivery drinks now priced from 13.99 yuan and above [2] Group 2 - China's consumer market has experienced intense price competition as businesses lowered prices to attract cautious spenders in a weaker economic environment [3] - The subsidy campaigns among food delivery platforms began in April 2025, leading to unsustainable price levels, with some coffees sold for 14 cents and meals for 50 cents [3] - The recent price increases and reduction in incentives signal a shift away from the long-standing price battles affecting restaurants, teahouses, and cafés [4]