Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent surge in orders for milk tea shops due to the "AI War" initiated by the Qianwen APP, which offered a massive promotion leading to over 10 million orders in just 9 hours, highlighting the intense competition in the food and beverage industry and the challenges faced by businesses in managing such demand [5][7][21]. Group 1: AI War and Its Impact - The Qianwen APP launched a "Spring Festival 3 billion free orders" campaign, resulting in a nationwide frenzy for milk tea, with major brands like Mixue Ice City and Luckin Coffee participating [6][7]. - Within 9 hours of the campaign, over 10 million milk tea orders were placed, causing stock prices of several tea brands to rise significantly, with Gu Ming increasing over 5% to reach a record high [7]. - The article notes that this is the second major order surge within a year, indicating a pattern of intense promotional activities in the restaurant industry [8]. Group 2: Previous Delivery Wars - The article references a previous "Delivery War" that occurred on July 5, 2025, which also resulted in overwhelming order volumes, with some stores reporting a 230% increase in orders compared to normal [9][10]. - Following the Delivery War, many restaurant operators expressed concerns about the sustainability of such high demand and the negative impact on service quality [10][12]. - Regulatory actions were taken to address the chaotic competition in the delivery sector, aiming to create a healthier market environment for the restaurant industry [11][12]. Group 3: Characteristics of the Milk Tea Market - The milk tea market is characterized by its ability to attract young consumers, with a projected market size of 354.72 billion yuan in 2024, growing at 6.4% annually [17]. - The consumer base primarily consists of young women aged 22-30, with a high frequency of purchases, making milk tea a low-cost, high-repurchase category [17][18]. - The efficiency and high turnover of milk tea shops make them attractive to platforms seeking to acquire users at a lower cost [19]. Group 4: Financial Implications for Businesses - Despite the surge in orders, the profitability of milk tea shops remains challenging, as the sudden influx of orders can overwhelm staff and disrupt service quality [21][22]. - Many businesses struggle to manage the increased demand, leading to longer wait times and potential customer dissatisfaction, which can harm long-term customer loyalty [23][25]. - The article emphasizes the need for businesses to balance leveraging platform promotions for growth while maintaining their operational integrity and customer experience [27].