Investment Rating - The report indicates a slowdown in the expansion of the new tea beverage industry, with a net decrease of 17,000 stores in the past year, highlighting a significant market consolidation [1][2]. Core Insights - The new tea beverage market in China has grown rapidly, with the market size increasing from RMB 187.8 billion in 2018 to RMB 517.5 billion in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 22.5% [2]. - The competition among new tea brands is evolving from scale and price wars to a more complex, multifaceted competition focusing on product innovation and brand differentiation [1][2]. - The top five brands in the ready-to-drink tea market have increased their market share from 38.5% in 2020 to 46.8% in 2023, indicating a trend towards market concentration [1]. Summary by Sections Product Innovation and Marketing - New tea brands are focusing on health-oriented product innovations, with companies like沪上阿姨 launching over 100 new products annually [4][6]. - The marketing strategies of brands are diversifying, with successful collaborations and IP creations enhancing brand recognition and consumer engagement [8][15]. - The demand for healthier and higher-quality options is driving the evolution of ready-to-drink tea products, with brands prioritizing differentiation [7][19]. Franchise and Supply Chain Dynamics - The franchise model is becoming increasingly important, with 56.1% of tea beverage stores being part of a chain as of 2023, projected to rise to 72% by 2028 [17][20]. - The initial investment cost for opening a new store under沪上阿姨 is approximately RMB 275,000, which is lower than the industry average, making it attractive for potential franchisees [18]. - A robust supply chain is critical for maintaining product quality and customer loyalty, with沪上阿姨 achieving extensive national coverage for fresh ingredient delivery [21][19]. Market Trends and Future Outlook - The report highlights that the fastest growth in the ready-to-drink tea market is occurring in third-tier and lower cities, with沪上阿姨 having 49.4% of its stores in these areas as of 2023 [28][31]. - The overall revenue for沪上阿姨 in 2024 is projected to be RMB 3.28 billion, with 48.2% of this revenue coming from third-tier and lower cities [31]. - The industry is expected to continue evolving, with brands that can innovate and differentiate themselves likely to thrive, while those lacking in these areas may face significant challenges [39].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Nayuki, a prominent player in the new tea beverage industry, highlighting its recent rebranding efforts and the underlying issues of declining performance and market competitiveness [3][5][11]. Brand Rebranding - Nayuki has changed its brand logo and name as part of its "internationalization strategy" for its 10th anniversary, simplifying its name from "Nayuki's Tea" to "Nayuki" and altering its English representation to "Naìsnow" [3][5]. - The rebranding has not been well received by consumers, with negative feedback on social media and a significant drop in stock price, reducing its market value to less than 1% of its peak [5][6]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Nayuki reported revenue of 4.92 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 4.7%, and an adjusted net loss of 919 million yuan, with average daily sales per store dropping below 10,000 yuan [5][7]. - Since its IPO, Nayuki has struggled with profitability, only briefly returning to profit in 2023 with a net income of 13 million yuan [5][7]. Operational Challenges - Nayuki's direct sales model, which aims to replicate Starbucks' "third space" experience, has faced severe cost control challenges, with employee costs at 29.2% and raw material costs at 36.8% [7][11]. - The average daily order volume per store has decreased from 363 orders in 2018 to 270 orders in 2024, and the average transaction value has dropped from 32.4 yuan to 26.7 yuan [7][11]. Market Positioning - Nayuki primarily targets women aged 20-35 but faces competition from brands like Chayan Yueshu and Hushang Ayi, which have increased their market share by offering products priced below 10 yuan [7][11]. - The market share of products priced above 30 yuan has fallen to 12%, while those priced between 10-20 yuan account for 58% of the new tea beverage market [7][11]. Competitive Landscape - The new tea beverage industry has entered a phase of rapid expansion, with franchise models becoming crucial for efficiency. Nayuki has only 345 franchise stores compared to competitors like Mixue Ice City, which has 23,000 stores [8][11]. - Nayuki's market presence is diminishing, with a total of 1,798 stores as of the end of 2024, including a reduction of 121 direct stores [8][11]. Strategic Adjustments - Nayuki is attempting to adjust its strategy by closing underperforming stores, launching "Nayuki Green" light food outlets, and lowering franchise investment costs from 980,000 yuan to 580,000 yuan [10][11]. - The company is also exploring international markets, having opened several stores in Southeast Asia, but faces challenges due to limited market capacity and cultural differences in Western markets [10][11]. Industry Trends - The article indicates a fundamental shift in the new tea beverage industry, moving away from capital-driven growth to a focus on efficiency and differentiation [11]. - Brands that fail to establish a unique market position risk being pushed out of the market as competition intensifies [11].