Core Insights - The article highlights the rise of "sweet chaozi milk tea" in Lanzhou, which combines local flavors with modern beverage trends, becoming a popular choice among consumers and a symbol of regional cultural identity [1][5][9] Group 1: Product Innovation - The "Fang Ha" tea brand successfully transformed traditional local ingredients like sweet chaozi and fermented vegetable water into modern drinks, achieving annual sales of over 5.3 million cups for sweet chaozi milk tea [5][11] - The development process involved overcoming initial skepticism and taste challenges, ultimately leading to a balanced flavor profile that resonates with local consumers [3][4] - New product innovations, such as "lemon mint fermented water" and "lemon cucumber fermented water," have been introduced to cater to younger consumers' preferences [4][11] Group 2: Market Expansion - "Fang Ha" has expanded to 133 stores across Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, and Ningxia, indicating a growing market presence and demand for local flavors [5][10] - The brand's strategy includes integrating local cultural elements into its marketing, such as collaborating with local events like marathons to enhance brand visibility [9][10] Group 3: Cultural Integration - The tea brands emphasize the importance of cultural storytelling, positioning their products as not just beverages but as experiences that reflect the rich heritage of the Northwest region [9][10] - The "Ciyuan Tea House" initiative aims to modernize traditional Chinese medicine concepts, appealing to younger demographics while maintaining cultural authenticity [7][11] Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - The industry faces challenges in consumer acceptance of unique local flavors, as many consumers are accustomed to sweeter, more artificial tastes [11][12] - There is a need for continuous innovation and education to bridge the gap between traditional flavors and modern consumer preferences, ensuring sustainable growth in the market [10][11]

Core Insights - The tea beverage industry is experiencing a surge in popularity, particularly with the integration of local ingredients and traditional snacks, creating unique flavors that appeal to a wide audience [1][2][3] Group 1: Product Innovation - The company "放哈" has successfully combined traditional local ingredients like sweet fermented milk tea and fermented vegetable water to create innovative drinks that are refreshing and beneficial for health [1][2] - Daily sales of sweet fermented milk tea reach approximately 30,000 cups, with over 5.3 million cups sold last year, while the fermented vegetable water series averages 5,000 cups daily during its seasonal availability [2] - Other brands, such as "兰与茶," are also innovating by incorporating local specialties like quinoa and rose into their tea products, resulting in a variety of unique offerings [3] Group 2: Health and Wellness Focus - The "慈茶馆" emphasizes health by using traditional Chinese medicine principles in their drink formulations, featuring ingredients like astragalus and angelica, aiming to introduce young consumers to traditional wellness practices [4][5] - The brand's approach is to create "drinkable ancient formulas," leveraging local medicinal herbs to promote a culture of health and wellness through tea [4] Group 3: Market Expansion - "放哈" has expanded its presence across four provinces in Northwest China, with a total of 133 stores, indicating a growing market footprint [2] - The collaboration between "慈茶馆" and the Gansu Provincial Museum highlights efforts to blend traditional culture with modern consumer products, enhancing brand visibility and cultural significance [5]