库迪咖啡告别“全场9.9元”：价格战的终结与中国咖啡行业的价值回归

Core Viewpoint - The end of the "9.9 yuan unlimited" promotion by Cotti Coffee marks a significant shift in the Chinese coffee market from aggressive price competition to a focus on refined operations and sustainable profitability [1][9]. Group 1: Price War Dynamics - Cotti Coffee initiated a price war in 2023 with its aggressive "9.9 yuan" strategy, which led to rapid market expansion and increased brand recognition, resulting in over 18,000 stores by December 2025 [2][10]. - The price war attracted competitors like Luckin Coffee and Starbucks, who also adopted similar low-price strategies to maintain market share [2][10]. - The "attack hammer" strategy, while initially successful, has turned into a "bleeding wound" as the cost structure became unsustainable, with Cotti's average cost per cup at 11.1 yuan, leading to a loss of 1.2 yuan per cup sold at the 9.9 yuan price point [3][11]. Group 2: Transition to Sustainable Practices - The coffee industry is transitioning from a phase of "barbaric growth" to one of refined operations, with a focus on quality and product differentiation rather than just low prices [4][12]. - By 2025, the Chinese coffee market is projected to reach 218.1 billion yuan, with a shift in consumer behavior towards coffee as a daily necessity rather than a luxury [4][12]. - Cotti Coffee has reported achieving positive cash flow and profitability since May 2024, indicating a strategic pivot away from unsustainable pricing models [7][14]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Strategy - Consumer reactions to price changes are varied, with some loyal to the low-price model feeling disappointed by price increases, while others support a return to normal market pricing [4][12]. - The end of the price war is expected to lead to a split in consumer preferences, with some seeking alternatives and others becoming loyal customers of brands that innovate [5][13]. - Brands are now focusing on product innovation and supply chain efficiency as new competitive focal points, moving away from price-based competition [5][13].