Core Insights - The new tea beverage industry has experienced a decline in the emergence of "hit products" over the past few years, with brands struggling to replicate past successes like cheese tea and dirty tea [2][8] - The market has evolved, and new brands are exploring different avenues for growth, while the industry faces challenges such as flavor homogenization and changing consumer preferences [8][9] Industry Growth and Trends - The new tea beverage industry saw a compound annual growth rate of 24.9% from 2017 to 2022, with the market size expected to exceed 354.7 billion yuan by 2024 and over 500,000 stores established [7] - The initial success of brands like Heytea and Naixue's Tea was driven by high-quality, freshly made products that attracted a young consumer base [4][5] Challenges in Product Innovation - The difficulty in creating new hit products is attributed to severe flavor homogenization, with many brands using similar ingredients and supply chains [8] - The rapid replication of successful products by competitors has made it challenging to develop unique offerings that can achieve widespread popularity [8][9] Consumer Behavior and Preferences - Consumers have become more discerning, with 73.09% of them sticking to 1-2 brands and showing reluctance to try new products due to perceived low value [9] - Increased health consciousness has led to a decline in the frequency of purchases, as consumers are more cautious about high-calorie drinks [9] Strategic Responses from Brands - Brands are diversifying their offerings by expanding into food and creating a full-day product ecosystem, with many introducing baked goods and light meals to complement their tea products [10][12] - Some brands are focusing on upgrading core products and optimizing supply chains to enhance cost efficiency and product quality [12] Localization and Emotional Value - Newer brands are adopting localized strategies, emphasizing regional flavors and ingredients to create unique identities [15] - Emotional value is becoming a significant factor in consumer choices, with brands like Luckin Coffee and Bawang Tea Princess successfully connecting with consumers through quality and cultural narratives [17]