皮爷咖啡华南首店关店，低价潮中的精品咖啡何去何从？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by premium coffee brands in China, particularly Peet's Coffee, amid a growing trend of low-priced coffee options and increasing competition in the market [5][11]. Industry Overview - The coffee market in China has seen significant growth, with the number of coffee shops reaching 228,000 as of July 15, 2023, including 68,000 new openings and 52,000 closures in the past year [6]. - The average consumer price for coffee has dropped significantly, with the average transaction price for coffee in 2023 falling to 13.8 yuan from 34.4 yuan in 2021 [11]. Company Performance - Peet's Coffee, which entered the Chinese market in 2017, initially expanded rapidly, reaching 70 stores by the end of 2021. However, the pace of expansion has slowed, with projections indicating a total of 268 stores by August 2025 [9][10]. - Despite the challenges, Peet's Coffee reported a double-digit growth in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA organic growth of 23.8%, contributing to a global sales increase of 7.9% to 8.837 billion euros [9]. Competitive Landscape - The rise of low-cost coffee options, such as 9.9 yuan per cup, has intensified competition, making it difficult for premium brands to maintain their pricing and market position [7][11]. - Consumer preferences have shifted, with 80% of consumers making coffee purchasing decisions based on price, and only 4% willing to pay over 25 yuan for coffee [11]. Strategic Adjustments - In response to market pressures, Peet's Coffee is exploring new strategies, including entering provincial cities and launching a new brand, Ora Coffee, which offers lower-priced options [12][15]. - The company aims to balance its premium brand image with the need to adapt to a more price-sensitive market, indicating a potential shift in strategy to capture a broader customer base [18][19].