Group 1 - The 14th International Wulin Doucha Conference was held in Kunshan, marking the unveiling of the Supin Tea Industry Research and Innovation Center, which aims to become an innovation hub for the tea industry [1] - Supin Foods has a significant market presence, with 70% of milk tea sold in the market related to its raw materials, and it collaborates with over 90% of leading brands, covering 180,000 terminal stores [1] - The newly established research center will focus on cultural dissemination, industry incubation, global comprehensive research and development, global marketing, logistics warehousing, and intelligent production [1] Group 2 - The launch of the Supin Tea Industry Research and Innovation Center is expected to inject new momentum into Kunshan's high-end food industry and promote high-quality economic development [2] - The Wulin Doucha Conference, initiated in 2011, is a national tea competition that this year was held at a corporate venue, inviting tea enthusiasts, students, tea production companies, and tea shop operators to participate [2] - A concurrent competition for premium tea and trendy beverages was also held during the event [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the innovative production of wild prickly pear infused black tea in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province, which combines local agricultural resources to create a unique product that enhances both tea and fruit preservation, providing new income opportunities for local farmers [1][3][4]. Group 1: Product Innovation - The production process involves filling fresh prickly pears with fermented black tea, creating a unique flavor profile that combines the rich aroma of tea with the sweetness of the fruit [1][4]. - The innovative technique not only preserves the nutritional value of prickly pears but also enhances the tea's flavor, resulting in a product that is less bitter and has a more pronounced sweet and rich taste [4]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The introduction of prickly pear black tea has generated nearly 1,000 pounds of product since its launch in September, providing new income streams for local villagers involved in the harvesting and production process [6]. - Local farmers, previously engaged only in tea picking during spring and summer, are now employed in the prickly pear tea production, leading to improved economic prospects and a more optimistic outlook for their livelihoods [6]. Group 3: Agricultural Context - Hanzhong City, known for its extensive tea cultivation, is exploring innovative ways to extend its industry chain and increase added value, transitioning from a focus on single green tea to a diverse range of tea products [6]. - The region's favorable climate conditions, characterized by high altitude and abundant cloud cover, contribute to the successful growth of both tea and wild prickly pears, making it an ideal location for this agricultural innovation [1][3].

Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of the traditional tea industry in Yichang, Hubei, focusing on the integration of modern technology and heritage practices in tea production [1][2][3] Group 1: Traditional Tea Industry - Yichang has a long history of tea cultivation and is a significant node on the ancient Tea Road, with its tea being recognized as high quality in historical texts [1] - The Changshengchuan Qingsong Tea, with over 650 years of history, retains more than 70 traditional processing techniques and is recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage [1][2] - The tea industry in Yichang is revitalizing through innovation, with the establishment of a city-level key laboratory for functional research on Qingsong Tea, resulting in over 200 new products [2] Group 2: Modernization and Technology Integration - Yichang's tea industry is undergoing modernization, focusing on automation, data-driven processes, and intelligent quality control to enhance production capacity while ensuring quality [1][2] - The establishment of the Yichai Group in 2022 aims to integrate tea industry resources through market-oriented approaches, enhancing product development and production processes [2] - The city has over 1,200 tea processing factories, with tea products exported to more than 50 countries and regions, positioning Yichang as a key area for green tea in the Yangtze River basin [2] Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Engagement - The tea industry is adapting to new market trends by combining traditional "ancient tea" with modern beverages like milk tea and fruit juice, appealing to younger consumers [3] - Cultural tourism initiatives allow visitors to engage in tea picking, processing, and tasting, thereby promoting Yichang's ethnic culture and enhancing the value of tea [3]