Core Insights - The demand for lemons has surged this summer, becoming a key player in the consumption trend, despite rising raw material costs [1][2][3] Price Trends - The wholesale price of lemons has increased by over 60% year-on-year, with retail prices in Hangzhou exceeding 5 yuan per lemon [1][2] - The wholesale price for a box of Anju lemons has risen from approximately 80 yuan last year to 130-140 yuan this year due to reduced production and increased transportation and labor costs [2] - The average wholesale price of lemons reached 12.83 yuan per kilogram in June 2025, a 63% increase year-on-year and over 29% increase from April [2] Consumer Behavior - Despite price increases, consumer enthusiasm for lemons remains high, with many purchasing them for beverages [2][3] - Lemon tea products have seen a 41% increase in search volume on Tmall from May to June 2025, with several bottled tea drinks selling over 200,000 units monthly [3] - Social media has played a significant role in promoting lemon products, with over 77.4 million related posts on platforms like Xiaohongshu [3] Market Adaptations - Beverage and dessert shops are adapting to rising lemon costs by substituting fresh lemons with freeze-dried alternatives to control expenses [2] - Popular lemon-based drinks, such as lemon tea, are experiencing high sales, with some stores selling hundreds of cups daily [2][3]