Core Viewpoint - Lele Tea's new product "Apple Sugar" series has faced quality controversies, leading to significant consumer backlash and raising concerns about the brand's operational stability during its expansion phase [1][2]. Consumer Feedback and Official Response - Consumers reported various issues with the "Apple Sugar" series, including inadequate sugar coating, apples not being coated, and discrepancies between product appearance and promotional images [3][4]. - The official apology from Lele Tea acknowledged these issues but raised doubts about the sincerity and effectiveness of their corrective measures, as the products were quickly put back on shelves without thorough public verification [4]. Quality Control and Expansion Challenges - The quality issues highlight vulnerabilities in Lele Tea's product control, particularly as the brand has aggressively expanded through a franchise model since late 2022 [5][9]. - Despite plans to increase the number of stores to 700 by 2025, the actual number of operational stores has declined from a peak of 546 in June 2024 to 425 by October 2025, indicating challenges in maintaining growth [5][9]. Industry Context and Implications - The incident reflects broader challenges in the new tea beverage industry, where rapid franchise expansion often leads to quality control issues, as seen with other brands like Shuyi Burnt Xian Cao and Mixue Ice City [10][11]. - The market is shifting towards a focus on product quality and cost-effectiveness, with leading brands enhancing supply chain management and quality standards to maintain competitiveness [10]. - For Lele Tea, addressing the balance between expansion and quality assurance is crucial for sustainable growth, as repeated quality issues can damage consumer trust and brand reputation [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the resurgence of apple-flavored products in the beverage market, particularly during the holiday season, showcasing innovative offerings and consumer enthusiasm for apple-based drinks. Group 1: Product Launches and Consumer Response - Lele Tea's "Pineapple Apple Candy" has become a viral sensation on social media, integrating festive street food into a tea drink, leading to significant consumer engagement with over 170 million views on the keyword "apple candy" [1][5] - Following mixed reviews, Lele Tea issued an apology and took corrective actions to ensure product quality, which has since led to the reintroduction of the apple candy series in stores [3] - Multiple brands have launched apple-flavored products, including "One Red Apple" series by Grandpa Tea and various offerings from Yihuo Tang and Meiyu Milk, reflecting a trend towards apple as a popular flavor [6] Group 2: Innovation in Apple Beverage Offerings - The beverage market has seen a surge in apple drink innovations, with 9 new apple products launched in October, 17 in November, and 24 in December, indicating a vibrant trend [9] - Creative presentations such as "Deconstructed Apple" and "Apple Cinnamon Milkshake" have gained popularity, enhancing the visual appeal and consumer interest in apple-based drinks [10][12] - The versatility of apple as an ingredient is highlighted, with successful combinations including apple with milk foam, savory cheese, and yogurt, making it a key component in festive drink offerings [15][19] Group 3: Regional and Quality Emphasis - The use of specific apple varieties from regions like Wanglin and Xinjiang Akesu has been leveraged to enhance product value and consumer perception, with successful launches noted for their unique flavor profiles [21][23] - Brands are emphasizing the quality of their apple sources, with marketing strategies focusing on regional authenticity and the unique characteristics of different apple varieties [25] Group 4: Market Positioning and Future Outlook - Apples are positioned as an ideal ingredient in the beverage industry due to their stable supply and affordability, which supports product standardization and the creation of popular items [26] - The article anticipates continued innovation in apple beverages, extending beyond flavor combinations to include creative designs and diverse consumption scenarios, indicating a shift in the perception of apples from a mundane fruit to a beverage trendsetter [26]

Core Viewpoint - The recent launch of the new product "Apple Candy" by the well-known milk tea brand Lele Tea has faced significant criticism from customers regarding its quality and presentation [1][7]. Group 1: Product Issues - Customers reported multiple issues with the "Apple Candy," including that the apples were not coated in sugar, the sugar coating was insufficient leading to oxidation, and the coating was too thick making it overly sticky [7][8]. - There were complaints about the temperature of the syrup being too high, which caused the apples to darken in color, and issues with the decoration being improperly placed or missing [7][8]. Group 2: Pricing and Customer Feedback - The price for the new product "Pineapple Apple Candy" is set at 26 yuan per cup, with an additional charge of 9.9 yuan for "one piece of apple candy" [4]. - Customers expressed dissatisfaction with the discrepancy between the actual product and promotional images, indicating a gap in expectations [5]. Group 3: Company Response - Lele Tea issued an apology acknowledging the feedback and admitted to shortcomings in preparation and product stability, which affected customer experience [7]. - Following the feedback, the company conducted a nationwide review of the "Apple Candy" products, removing non-compliant items from sale and enforcing corrective measures at affected stores [8].

Core Viewpoint - Recent consumer complaints about the new product "Apple Candy" from the popular milk tea brand Lelecha highlight issues with taste and quality, leading to an apology and corrective actions from the company [1][3]. Group 1: Product Issues - Consumers criticized the "Pineapple Apple Candy" for being overly sticky and not matching promotional images, with some suggesting it resembled glue [1][3]. - The product was priced at 26 yuan per cup, with an additional charge of 9.9 yuan for "one piece of apple candy," but it has since been removed from the ordering app [3]. - Lelecha identified several problems with the product, including apples not being coated in sugar, insufficient sugar coating leading to oxidation, overly thick sugar causing stickiness, high syrup temperatures darkening the apples, and improper decoration [6]. Group 2: Company Response and Future Plans - On December 20, Lelecha issued an apology and stated that non-compliant products were removed from stores, with corrective measures taken at affected locations [3][6]. - The company plans to increase its total number of stores from over 400 to 700 by 2025, focusing on franchise operations to enhance market competitiveness, despite previous rumors of closing all direct stores [6]. - Lelecha, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Shanghai, is known for its innovative fruit and cheese tea offerings and was partially acquired by Nayuki for 5.25 billion yuan, becoming its largest shareholder [6].

Core Viewpoint - Lele Tea issued an apology statement regarding quality issues with its new "Apple Candy" product, acknowledging customer complaints and taking corrective actions [1] Group 1: Product Issues - Customers reported multiple problems with the "Apple Candy" product, including apples not being coated in sugar, insufficient sugar leading to oxidation, overly thick sugar causing stickiness, high syrup temperature darkening the apples, and improper decoration [1] - The company admitted that internal oversight and preparation shortcomings led to inconsistent product quality, negatively impacting customer experience [1] Group 2: Corrective Actions - Following the complaints, Lele Tea conducted a nationwide inspection of its stores, removing non-compliant products and mandating immediate rectification at affected locations, with severe penalties for stores with significant discrepancies [1] - The "Apple Candy" series is gradually being restored to shelves across the country [1] Group 3: Business Expansion - Recently, Lele Tea announced exclusive agency opportunities in several untapped cities, covering nearly 30 provinces including Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Heilongjiang [1] - Exclusive agents will enjoy "regional exclusivity" for opening stores, free brand image upgrades for the first store, and additional discounts on franchise fees for the second store [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lele Tea has faced customer complaints regarding its new product "Apple Sugar," leading to immediate product recalls and store rectifications. The company has acknowledged its shortcomings in product quality and is taking steps to improve its offerings while expanding its franchise operations. Group 1: Product Issues - Multiple customer complaints were reported on December 19 regarding the "Apple Sugar" product, citing issues such as stickiness and inadequate sugar coating [3] - The company identified several specific problems with the product, including apples not being coated in sugar, insufficient sugar leading to oxidation, overly thick sugar causing stickiness, high syrup temperatures darkening the apples, and improper decoration [4] - Lele Tea has taken corrective actions by removing non-compliant products from shelves and enforcing penalties on stores with significant discrepancies [1] Group 2: Business Expansion and Strategy - Lele Tea announced plans to open exclusive franchise opportunities in nearly 30 provinces, including Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Heilongjiang [4] - The company aims to grow its total number of stores from over 400 to 700 by 2025, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of franchise stores [4] - In 2022, Nayuki acquired a 43.64% stake in Lele Tea for 5.25 billion yuan, becoming the largest shareholder, although Lele Tea continues to operate independently [5]