Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Hu Shang A Yi, a tea beverage brand, following its IPO, highlighting issues such as stock price decline, unmet expansion goals, and consumer complaints, which affect investor confidence in the company's long-term value [3][9][22]. Company Overview - Hu Shang A Yi was established on November 8, 2013, with a registered capital of approximately 1.05 billion RMB [4]. - The company went public on May 8, 2025, at an issue price of 113.12 HKD, raising 273 million HKD (approximately 35 million USD) [5][6]. IPO and Market Performance - Despite a successful IPO, Hu Shang A Yi's stock price has fallen below its issue price, closing at 107.20 HKD as of October 20, 2025 [3][9]. - The stock initially peaked at 197.60 HKD on its first trading day but quickly declined, indicating a lack of market confidence [8][9]. Expansion Plans - The "Ten Thousand Store Plan" proposed by the founder, aiming for 10,000 stores, remains unfulfilled, with only 9,436 stores reported as of June 30, 2025, falling short by 564 stores [10][11]. - The company opened 905 new franchise stores in the first half of 2025 but closed 645, resulting in a net increase of only 260 stores [10][11]. Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, Hu Shang A Yi reported revenue of 1.818 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 9.7%, and a net profit of 202 million RMB, up 20.9% [10]. - The gross margin remained stable at 31.4%, indicating consistent profitability despite market challenges [10]. Market Challenges - The tea beverage market is experiencing increased competition and price wars, leading to a decline in consumer demand [3][22]. - Hu Shang A Yi's average daily GMV per store has decreased from 4,109 RMB in 2022 to 3,753 RMB in 2024, reflecting declining sales performance [15][17]. Consumer Sentiment - There has been a rise in consumer complaints regarding service quality and product hygiene, with 4,567 complaints recorded as of October 16, 2025 [18][22]. - The company's reliance on franchisees has led to quality control issues, further impacting brand reputation [18][22]. Strategic Recommendations - To address its challenges, Hu Shang A Yi may need to focus on supply chain improvements, product innovation, and aligning its market positioning to better compete in the crowded mid-tier segment [23][22].

Core Viewpoint - Luckin Coffee is entering the vegetable and fruit tea market with its new product, "Yuhui Light Body Vegetable and Fruit Tea," aiming to expand its product offerings and enhance revenue during non-peak hours [2][3]. Product Launch - On May 31, Luckin Coffee announced the launch of its first vegetable and fruit juice product, priced at 29 yuan, with a promotional price of 9.9 yuan [2]. - The product is made from frozen kale, mixed fruit juice, jasmine tea, and syrup, indicating it is not freshly squeezed [2]. Market Positioning - The introduction of vegetable and fruit tea aligns with Luckin's strategy of combining coffee and tea, creating a "morning coffee, afternoon tea" positioning to broaden consumption scenarios [2]. - Luckin aims to leverage its supply chain advantages to standardize the production of vegetable and fruit tea, allowing for easier assembly at stores without the need for extensive preparation [2]. Competitive Landscape - Luckin's entry into the vegetable and fruit tea market comes later than competitors such as Heytea, Naixue, and others, which have already established their products in this category [3]. - Competitors have successfully linked their products to fitness and weight management, making it challenging for Luckin to stand out as a newcomer [3]. Pricing Strategy - Luckin Coffee's vegetable and fruit tea is the cheapest among major brands, potentially attracting price-sensitive consumers [6]. - However, the health narrative associated with fresh-squeezed products is a significant factor in consumer preferences, which may limit Luckin's appeal despite its lower price [6]. Market Challenges - The tea and coffee market is highly competitive, with a significant number of new store openings and closures reported recently [6]. - Luckin must invest more time and resources into product innovation and understanding consumer demand in the new tea beverage market to succeed [6].

Core Viewpoint - The new tea beverage industry is entering a "health upgrade era," with companies focusing on product innovation and nutritional enhancement to meet evolving consumer demands for healthier options [2][5]. Group 1: Product Innovation - Hu Shang A Yi is launching five new upgraded "Super Fruit and Vegetable Tea Series" products, each containing over 5g of dietary fiber, which can fulfill 20%-35% of the daily dietary fiber requirement for adults [3][4]. - The new products include combinations of various fruits and vegetables, such as kale, dragon fruit, and tomatoes, aimed at providing a convenient way for consumers to incorporate health into their daily lives [3][4]. Group 2: Consumer Health Trends - There is a growing consumer demand for healthier beverage options, with a significant focus on dietary fiber intake, as the average daily fiber consumption for the 18-35 age group in China is only 11.8g, well below the recommended 25-30g [3][5]. - The health consciousness among consumers is shifting the focus from taste alone to the health benefits of ingredients, with 63.0% of consumers prioritizing flavor and 35.3% considering the healthiness of ingredients when choosing ready-to-drink tea [6][7]. Group 3: Industry Standards and Recommendations - The "White Paper" provides guidelines for the tea beverage industry to enhance dietary fiber and other nutritional components while reducing sugars and unhealthy fats, aiming to address product homogeneity and optimize supply chains [6][7]. - Hu Shang A Yi's CEO emphasizes the commitment to improving product innovation and building a high-quality supply chain to support the health upgrade trend in the tea beverage industry [7].