Core Insights - The iced tea market is experiencing intense competition in 2025, with major brands like Nongfu Spring, JDB, Wahaha, and Dongpeng Beverage increasing their investments, while established players like Master Kong and Uni-President are also preparing for battle [1][2]. Market Dynamics - Master Kong, as the market leader, is facing significant competition but is actively launching new low-sugar flavors and leveraging celebrity endorsements to maintain its market position [2][3]. - Despite Master Kong's strong brand presence, its market share has been declining, with figures showing a drop from 22.82% in July 2024 to 22.01% in August 2025 [3][4]. - The company's revenue from beverage sales decreased by 2.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, attributed to price increases that have pressured retailers and reduced profit margins [4][5]. Competitive Landscape - Uni-President has benefited from Master Kong's challenges, with its market share rising from 5.68% to 7.26% between January 2024 and August 2025, alongside a 7.6% increase in beverage revenue [10][11]. - New entrants like Nongfu Spring and Wahaha are employing differentiated strategies to capture market share, with Nongfu Spring launching a carbonated iced tea and investing 2 billion yuan in R&D [12][15]. - The competitive landscape is shifting, with brands like Wahaha and Dongpeng gaining traction, as evidenced by increased sales and market share [13][15]. Promotional Strategies - Brands are engaging in aggressive promotional activities, such as discounts and giveaways, to attract consumers, with Master Kong and Uni-President also participating in these marketing tactics [17][18]. - The "1 yuan enjoyment" campaign has proven effective in boosting sales for brands like Dongpeng, which reported a 36.37% increase in revenue in the first half of 2025 [18]. Future Outlook - The iced tea market is expected to continue evolving with ongoing competition among established and new brands, potentially leading to significant changes in market dynamics [18].