Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent surge in popularity of matcha products, particularly highlighting the impact of BLACKPINK member's social media post on HEYTEA's "Triple Thick Matcha," which led to a significant increase in global orders and sales [4][6][10]. Group 1: Market Trends - There has been a notable increase in matcha product launches across various brands, with HEYTEA introducing multiple matcha beverages and other brands like Nayuki and Cha Bai Dao also releasing popular matcha items [7][21]. - The Asia-Pacific region accounted for 57.76% of the global matcha market in 2023, with China and Japan recognized as historical centers for matcha production [9][33]. - Matcha's association with Japan persists, despite its origins in China, as consumers increasingly discover the historical roots of matcha in regions like Jing Mountain, Hangzhou [30][32]. Group 2: HEYTEA's Response - Following the social media post, HEYTEA's sales of the "Triple Thick Matcha" increased by over 500% in cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou within a day [12]. - HEYTEA's global stores quickly adapted by launching promotional activities, including a buy-one-get-one-free offer for matcha drinks, although this led to shortages in matcha supplies [16][20]. - The brand's marketing strategy included creating artist-customized versions of the matcha drink to attract fans and enhance engagement [16][14]. Group 3: Regional Production Insights - China has become the largest producer and consumer of matcha globally, with production concentrated in regions like Jing Mountain, Guizhou, and Hubei [33][40]. - Jing Mountain's matcha production is expected to exceed 5,000 tons by 2025, with significant investments in local tea development [34][36]. - Guizhou's matcha production surpassed 1,200 tons last year, and the region is recognized for its modern matcha processing facilities [40]. Group 4: Branding and Market Positioning - The article emphasizes the need for "Chinese matcha" to establish a stronger brand identity to compete with Japanese matcha products [48]. - Successful examples from other regions, such as the rapid growth of Liuzhou's snail noodles, illustrate the potential for local specialties to gain national recognition through effective branding and marketing strategies [51]. - The article suggests that enhancing product visibility, leveraging local heritage, and creating engaging marketing campaigns can help elevate the status of Chinese matcha in the global market [55].

Core Insights - BLACKPINK member's social media post has significantly boosted the global sales of HEYTEA's "Triple Thick Matcha" drink, leading to a surge in orders across various countries [1][5][10] - The matcha market is experiencing rapid growth, with various brands launching new matcha products, indicating a trend towards increased consumer interest in matcha beverages [3][4][13] Group 1: Impact of Social Media - The Instagram post by a BLACKPINK member led to a dramatic increase in orders for HEYTEA's "Triple Thick Matcha," with sales in Shanghai and Hangzhou rising over 500% the day after the post [8][10] - Global HEYTEA stores quickly responded to the surge in demand, with some locations running out of stock and others offering limited-time promotional activities [10][12] Group 2: Market Trends - The matcha market in the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 57.76% of the global market in 2023, with significant growth expected in China, Japan, the UK, and Germany [4][20] - Various brands, including Nayuki and Tea Baidao, have introduced new matcha products, reflecting a broader trend in the beverage industry towards matcha [3][13] Group 3: Regional Production and Branding - China has become the largest producer and consumer of matcha globally, surpassing Japan in both production and consumption [20][34] - Regions like Zhejiang, Guizhou, and Hubei are emerging as key players in the matcha industry, each with unique advantages and potential to become "China's Matcha Capital" [20][26][30] Group 4: Consumer Awareness and Cultural Perception - There is a growing awareness among consumers that matcha originated in China, particularly in regions like Jing Mountain, which is gaining recognition alongside traditional Japanese matcha [4][18][20] - The popularity of matcha products has sparked discussions about cultural appropriation, as many consumers associate matcha primarily with Japanese culture despite its Chinese roots [15][17]