Core Insights - The ready-to-drink tea market is showing signs of recovery, with a total of 122,027 stores as of July 2025, an increase of 5,049 stores from June, despite a month-on-month decrease in new store openings [1][3]. Store Opening Performance - In July, 2,597 new stores were opened, a decrease of 16.70% month-on-month and a decline of 22.29% year-on-year [1][2]. - The leading brand, Mixue Ice City, opened 950 new stores in July, maintaining a strong expansion despite a gradual decline in monthly openings over the past three months [3][4]. - Gu Ming opened 316 new stores in July, marking a year-on-year increase of 90.68%, attributed to market recovery and adjusted expansion strategies [3][4]. - Other notable brands include Hu Shang A Yi with 265 new stores, Tian La La with 194, and Wei Li Nai Bai with 113 [3][4]. Competitive Landscape - The industry is characterized by contrasting strategies of expansion and contraction among brands. Gu Ming and Hu Shang A Yi are expanding rapidly, while brands like Cha Bai Dao are experiencing a decline in store numbers [6][4]. - The total number of stores for Cha Bai Dao has decreased from 8,449 to 7,750 over the past year, indicating a net reduction of 699 stores [6]. Product Innovation - In July, the total number of new product launches decreased significantly to 86 SKUs from 124 in June, reflecting a shift in focus among brands [6][8]. - Gu Ming and Mei Suan Nai launched the highest number of new products, with 9 SKUs each, while other brands like Cha Bai Dao and Nai Xue's Tea followed closely with 8 SKUs [6][8]. Seasonal Trends and Collaborations - The product focus for July included refreshing and healthy beverages, with many brands introducing seasonal fruit flavors such as green grapes, apples, and peaches [9][10]. - A total of 12 brands engaged in 18 collaborative marketing activities in July, maintaining the same level of engagement as in June, indicating a trend towards diverse and frequent collaborations [10][11]. - Collaborations have expanded beyond traditional media to include cultural and public institutions, enhancing brand visibility and engagement with different consumer segments [10].

New Product Launches - Yibao has launched a new series of sugar-free flavored teas, featuring three varieties: Jasmine Yulu, Tieguanyin, and Rock Tea, all with 0 sugar and 0 calories [3] - Bubble Mart has released the MEGA SPACE MOLLY 100% anniversary series, which includes 15 designs, featuring 5 basic styles and various limited editions [3] - Hema has introduced over 40 low GI products under its private label, including ready-to-eat staples and snacks [5] - Starbucks has collaborated with fragment design to create a new drink, BBTEA by FRAGMENT, inspired by the traditional Hong Kong drink of Ying Yang tea [5] - The new "Ice Explosive Mint" flavor of electrolyte water has been launched, containing at least 400mg/L of electrolytes [5] - Kweichow Moutai has released a limited edition smart watch set, combining technology with luxury [6] Market Expansion and Brand Collaborations - Tan Zai Rice Noodles has announced its entry into the Malaysian market, opening its first store in Selangor with a capacity of 57 customers [9] - Kudi Coffee has appointed actress Yang Mi as its global brand ambassador, enhancing its brand image [12] - FRED has announced actress Ju Jingyi as its brand ambassador for the Chinese market [11] - Hema plans to open nearly 100 new stores within the fiscal year, expanding its presence to over 500 locations [15] Investment and Financial Movements - Green Biological has resumed its IPO process after previous attempts in 2018 and 2021 [19] - Caleres has completed the acquisition of luxury footwear brand Stuart Weitzman for $120.2 million [21] - Budweiser Group is investing $9 million in its New York brewery as part of its Brewing Futures initiative [22] - Ajinomoto has made a strategic investment in Australian plant-based meat manufacturer v2food [22] New Consumer Trends - The introduction of low GI products reflects a growing consumer interest in health-conscious food options [5] - The collaboration between brands and celebrities, such as Kudi Coffee and Yang Mi, indicates a trend towards leveraging influencer marketing for brand growth [12] - The expansion of brands like Tan Zai Rice Noodles into new markets highlights the increasing globalization of food brands [9]