Core Insights - The beverage market is witnessing a resurgence of iced tea, particularly carbonated iced tea, which was previously labeled as "low-end" but is now regaining popularity among consumers, especially the younger generation [1][4][10] - Major brands like Master Kong, Uni-President, and Wahaha are re-entering the iced tea market with new product launches and flavor innovations, revitalizing this classic category [1][3][10] Market Dynamics - Master Kong's beverage segment reported revenue of 51.621 billion yuan in 2024, with the tea beverage sector contributing 21.7 billion yuan, marking an 8.2% year-on-year growth [3][14] - The iced tea market size reached 30 billion yuan in 2024 and is projected to grow to 35 billion yuan in 2025, indicating a strong recovery and increasing consumer interest [3][17] Consumer Trends - Young consumers are increasingly drawn to iced tea for its affordability and refreshing taste, with prices ranging from 3.5 to 5 yuan for 550ml to 1L bottles [4][10][19] - The resurgence of iced tea is attributed to its adaptability in various consumption scenarios, from casual settings to social events, appealing to a wide demographic [9][20] Competitive Landscape - The competition in the iced tea market is intensifying, with new entrants like Nongfu Spring and Yuanqi Forest launching innovative products, including carbonated iced tea and low-sugar options [3][16][19] - Brands are focusing on health trends, with 71.4% of consumers prioritizing "low-sugar/no sugar" labels when selecting iced tea, prompting companies to reformulate their products accordingly [17][19] Product Innovation - Master Kong has introduced several new iced tea flavors, including low-sugar and high-fiber options, to cater to health-conscious consumers [13][20] - Uni-President is also innovating with products like "cola iced tea" and collaborating with popular platforms to attract younger audiences [14][20] Financial Performance - Master Kong's revenue for the first half of 2025 was 40.092 billion yuan, with a 20.5% increase in net profit, largely driven by its beverage segment [10][12] - Uni-President reported a total revenue of approximately 17.087 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with a 10.6% year-on-year growth, highlighting the importance of iced tea in their product lineup [14][20]