Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the transformative power of supply chains in reshaping consumer habits and market dynamics, particularly in the beverage industry, as exemplified by the success of Norwegian salmon and the current strategies of companies like Luckin Coffee [1][3][36]. Group 1: Beverage Industry Trends - The current beverage market is experiencing a shift where supply chain capabilities are becoming the primary driver of consumer experience rather than consumer demand itself [3]. - The Chinese ready-to-drink beverage market is projected to reach a scale of 627.9 billion yuan in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 23% over the past five years [4]. - The competition in the beverage industry has intensified, leading to price wars and a decline in average transaction prices among leading brands [6]. Group 2: Supply Chain Strategies - Companies are increasingly focusing on upstream supply chain battles, particularly in sourcing high-quality raw materials from tea gardens, fruit orchards, and coffee plantations [4]. - Luckin Coffee has established a "Origin Cluster" strategy, securing high-quality raw materials from various regions globally, which enhances its supply chain stability and product quality [8][19]. - The establishment of a robust supply chain allows companies to achieve cost advantages and maintain consistent product quality, which is crucial in a highly competitive market [6][21]. Group 3: Luckin Coffee's Competitive Edge - Luckin Coffee's "Origin Festival" campaign highlights its commitment to quality by promoting products sourced from specific regions, thereby enhancing brand recognition and market competitiveness [14][15]. - The company's extensive procurement agreements, such as a five-year contract for 240,000 tons of coffee from Brazil, demonstrate its proactive approach to securing raw materials [19][21]. - Luckin Coffee's ability to define industry standards, such as the first "light milk tea" standard, positions it as a leader in the market, shifting from a mere purchaser to a standard setter [22][27]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - The beverage industry is witnessing a rapid cycle of product innovation, but many brands struggle to create lasting differentiation, leading to a "new product - imitation - internal competition" cycle [32]. - The true competitive advantage lies in controlling upstream resources and establishing a sustainable supply chain, which is essential for long-term success in the beverage market [35][36]. - Luckin Coffee's strategic focus on global sourcing and supply chain integration is setting a new standard for the industry, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of the ready-to-drink beverage sector [36][38].

Core Insights - The Chinese ready-to-drink beverage industry has entered a phase where "supply chain determines the future," with high-quality raw materials becoming crucial for product quality and origin construction as a key strategic lever for competitive advantage [1][7] Group 1: Company Initiatives - Luckin Coffee has launched the "Drink from Origin Festival," introducing a product matrix focused on origin-based offerings, including new products like Aksu Apple Latte and popular items such as Coconut Latte and Jasmine Flower Latte [1] - The company has established a "Global Bean Sourcing Program" to ensure coffee bean quality by visiting key coffee-producing regions, including Panama, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Yunnan in China, and Brazil [2] - In 2024, Luckin signed a five-year memorandum for the procurement of 240,000 tons of coffee beans in Brazil, establishing local offices and support centers to secure high-quality coffee resources [2] Group 2: Raw Material Sourcing - Luckin plans to procure approximately 1 million tons of high-standard Indonesian coconuts over the next five years to support its popular Coconut Latte series [4] - The company has developed a dedicated jasmine flower production area in Guangxi, ensuring quality control across all stages from planting to harvesting [6] - Luckin's coffee bean procurement from Brazil accounts for 60% of Brazil's total coffee exports to China, and it leads the domestic market with over 40% of China's green coffee bean imports [6] Group 3: Industry Impact - By deepening ties with global core raw material production areas, Luckin is building a strong supply chain barrier and leading the upgrade of the Chinese ready-to-drink beverage industry [6] - Industry experts suggest that the future of the ready-to-drink beverage sector will depend on companies' control over core production areas and their vertical integration capabilities [6] - Luckin's initiatives are seen as a proactive approach to the industry's trend towards higher standards, having established an "Origin Cluster 1.0" system that enhances procurement scale and quality influence [6][7] Group 4: ESG and Community Support - Luckin integrates its supply chain strategy with ESG initiatives, providing multi-dimensional support to origin areas, such as training for coffee farmers in Yunnan and launching support programs for small coffee farmers in Brazil [6] - The company also engages in social responsibility efforts, such as supporting medical assistance for children with congenital heart disease in Aksu [6]