Group 1 - The rise of kale as a trendy beverage among young consumers, particularly in the context of health and weight loss, has gained significant attention on social media platforms [1][3][5] - Kale drinks are marketed with claims of being low-calorie and high in dietary fiber, appealing to health-conscious consumers despite skepticism from industry insiders regarding their actual effectiveness for weight loss [2][15][19] - The kale market has seen a dramatic increase in price, with reports indicating that the price per kilogram has risen from a few cents to over 3.5 yuan, reflecting its newfound popularity [7][14] Group 2 - Major tea and coffee brands, including Heytea and Luckin Coffee, have launched kale-based drinks, contributing to the trend and capitalizing on the health-conscious consumer market [9][14][18] - The light food market in China has experienced rapid growth, with a projected market size exceeding 320 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a strong consumer demand for healthier options [15][16] - The marketing strategies employed by beverage companies often use terms like "light" and "slimming," which resonate with young consumers' health anxieties, leading to increased sales of kale drinks [16][22] Group 3 - Despite the popularity of kale drinks, there are concerns about their actual health benefits, as many products contain added sugars and other ingredients that may negate their purported health advantages [19][21] - The phenomenon of kale drinks reflects a broader trend of emotional consumption among young people, who are willing to pay a premium for products that symbolize a healthy lifestyle [22][23] - The kale trend is indicative of a larger cycle in the beverage industry, where new "superfoods" are continuously sought after by both consumers and capital investors [2][23]

Group 1 - The tea beverage market is experiencing a trend towards incorporating green vegetables like kale and bitter melon, leading to increased demand and higher prices for these vegetables, creating new opportunities for farmers [1][5][9] - In Shandong, a kale farm has seen a surge in labor demand, employing around 150-160 workers daily and paying over 20,000 yuan in wages [3][5] - The kale farm is adopting advanced agricultural techniques, including mechanization and standardized planting methods, to enhance quality and yield, aiming for an annual production of over 8,000 tons [11][9] Group 2 - The new tea beverage trend is driving the development of a comprehensive industrial chain, with significant growth in related sectors such as coffee and jam production [14][16] - A tea beverage brand reported a sales increase of approximately 30% to 50% in the first quarter, leading to full utilization of production lines and boosting the growth of upstream and downstream enterprises [16][18] - The tea beverage industry is creating numerous job opportunities, with one county attracting over 20 related enterprises and generating more than 4,000 jobs [22] Group 3 - Chinese tea brands are rapidly expanding in overseas markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, with significant increases in store numbers and consumer demand [21][23] - A Chinese tea brand in Indonesia sold over 4,000 cups on its opening day and has expanded to five stores within four months, indicating strong market acceptance [25][27] - The success of Chinese tea brands abroad is attributed to their understanding of local consumer preferences and efficient supply chain management [29][31] Group 4 - The tea beverage market is witnessing a health trend, with a 507% increase in searches for "fruit and vegetable juice" and a 210% increase in order volume [35][39] - The demand for beverages containing kale has surged, with a 44-fold increase in delivery volume, while drinks with bitter melon have seen an 11-fold increase [37][39] - Regional specialty drinks are gaining popularity nationwide, with significant increases in search volumes for unique local ingredients [39]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights the rising trend of kale-based beverages in the new tea drink industry, with brands like Heytea, Nayuki, and Luckin Coffee leading the charge in promoting health-focused products [1][9] - Kale is being marketed as a low-sugar, low-calorie ingredient, appealing to health-conscious consumers, and has become a significant trend in the beverage sector [1][9] - The new tea drink industry is not only innovating in product offerings but is also extending its focus to the agricultural supply chain, emphasizing the importance of sourcing high-quality, pesticide-free ingredients [1][4][14] Group 2 - The supply chain for fruits and vegetables in the new tea drink sector is undergoing a transformation, moving towards customized sourcing and cultivation to ensure consistent quality and flavor [2][4][5] - Companies like Heytea are establishing direct partnerships with farms to control the cultivation process, ensuring that their standards for pesticide use and fruit quality are met [5][14] - The trend of using niche ingredients, such as kale, is seen as a potential key to creating popular products, with many brands quickly following suit once a successful item is launched [9][10] Group 3 - The cultivation of kale in China is expanding, with a focus on its dual role as both a food ingredient and an ornamental plant, which has contributed to its popularity in urban areas [8][9] - The industry is facing challenges related to pesticide residues, particularly with kale's structure making it susceptible to pests, necessitating innovative pest control methods [10][14] - New tea drink brands are investing in advanced cleaning technologies and processes to ensure that their products meet zero pesticide residue standards, which is becoming a competitive differentiator in the market [10][13][14]

Core Insights - Kale has transformed from a niche ingredient in Western cuisine to a popular raw material in the new tea beverage industry in China since the Tokyo Olympics, with over 30 kale-based drinks currently available on the market [1] - The demand for kale has surged, leading to a significant price increase from single-digit prices per pound in 2023 to 20-30 yuan per pound [1] - Companies like Heytea are raising their standards for raw materials, opting for customized, zero-residue kale to meet the quality demands of the new tea beverage sector [1][4] Industry Trends - The expansion of kale cultivation is underway, with a focus on exploring different varieties and quality improvements [1] - Heytea's kale is sourced from a unique growing environment in Yunnan, benefiting from a favorable microclimate and rich soil conditions [3] - The company implements rigorous quality control, including over 800 third-party pesticide residue tests to ensure compliance with national and European standards [4] Supply Chain Dynamics - The shift from standard procurement to customized planting reflects the evolving needs of new tea beverage companies, which require specific fruit characteristics for their products [4][5] - Heytea's procurement strategy now involves deep engagement in the cultivation process, including setting planting standards and managing harvests to ensure optimal quality [4][5] - This trend benefits not only the beverage brands but also local farmers, providing them with stable sales and pricing through long-term contracts with new tea beverage companies [5]

Core Insights - The rise of kale as a popular ingredient in health-focused beverages reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards low-calorie and low-fat diets, driven by the trend of "light eating" and weight loss [1][2] - The price of kale has significantly increased from a few cents per pound to 3.5 yuan per pound, indicating its growing market value and demand [1] - The success of kale in the beverage market is attributed to continuous product innovation by tea brands, which have improved its taste and positioned it as a fashionable health product [2] Industry Trends - The health food market is characterized by three main trends: functional demand, scenario-based consumption, and social currency attributes [2] - The popularity of kale beverages exemplifies these trends, as tea brands have effectively addressed the taste issues associated with kale and created products that combine health benefits with trendy appeal [2] - The emergence of large-scale kale cultivation bases in regions like Shandong and Guangxi, utilizing modern greenhouse and organic farming techniques, ensures the stability of raw material quality [2] Market Dynamics - The rise of kale represents a quality revolution in China's consumer market, where consumers are increasingly seeking healthier and higher-quality lifestyles [2] - The innovation across the entire supply chain has led to the development of diverse products such as freeze-dried powder, composite fruit and vegetable juices, and snacks, enhancing product value and catering to various consumption scenarios [2] - Companies that can effectively capture and respond to these evolving consumer demands through continuous innovation are likely to gain a competitive edge in the market [2]

以下文章来源于21世纪经济报道 ，作者21记者 21世纪经济报道 . 权威、专业、深度、有趣！用经济思维看世界。 来源：21世纪经济报道 体重管理年减肥新招式频出，也有商家蹭起了热点。 近日，北京日报发布文章《又贵又难吃的羽衣甘蓝被疯抢》，质疑其健康价值，称部分品牌为改善口感添加糖分，可能变成高热量饮品。 热搜持续发酵， 话题#又贵又难吃的羽衣甘蓝被疯抢#一度登上微博热搜第一。 羽衣甘蓝能被包装成减肥利器，是多方合力的结果。羽衣甘蓝原产地位于地中海沿岸，其价值重塑过程始于原料本身的生物特性——这种十字花科植物确 实富含膳食纤维（每100克含量达3.6-4.1克）及维生素K、维生素C等微量元素，这种天然营养结构为后续营销提供了科学背书。 相关公开信息显示，羽衣甘蓝的膳食纤维吸水膨胀后能占据胃部空间，延缓胃排空，从而减少其他高热量食物的摄入，有助于控制体重，为它贴上"健康食 物"标签。 据相关资料显示，混果汁是国内最早将羽衣甘蓝应用于现制饮品的新茶饮品牌，而喜茶在2024年巴黎奥运会期间推出与安踏冠军联名的"夺冠纤体瓶"，也 主打羽衣甘蓝成分。由于市场反响热烈，成功带动了其他品牌跟进，如奈雪的茶、茶百道、沪上阿姨 ...

Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity of kale drinks in tea shops is driven by claims of health benefits, particularly weight loss, but there is skepticism regarding their actual effectiveness [1][5][10]. Group 1: Product Overview - Kale drinks are being marketed as low-calorie and healthy options, often priced above 20 yuan [1][4]. - Many tea shops offer variations of kale drinks, combining fresh kale with fruits like apples and oranges to enhance flavor and appeal [4][6]. - The drinks are visually appealing, often featuring a green color scheme and various fruit combinations, which attract consumers [6]. Group 2: Consumer Perception - Consumers are drawn to the marketing language suggesting weight loss and detox benefits, but some express doubts about the actual effectiveness of these drinks for weight loss [7][10]. - Feedback from consumers indicates that while the drinks provide a feeling of fullness, they may not contribute significantly to weight loss due to high sugar content [7][10]. Group 3: Nutritional Insights - Experts highlight that kale is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but its taste can be unappealing, leading to the addition of sugars or other ingredients that may increase calorie content [10][11]. - The nutritional benefits of kale can be diminished when juiced, as much of the fiber and some nutrients are lost in the process [24]. - Health professionals caution that relying solely on kale drinks for weight loss is misleading; effective weight management requires a balanced diet and reduced overall caloric intake [24][11]. Group 4: Health Considerations - Certain populations, such as those with specific health conditions, should be cautious about consuming large amounts of kale due to its high vitamin K content, which can affect blood clotting [11][24]. - There are legal obligations for businesses to accurately label ingredients and nutritional information, ensuring consumers are informed about the products they purchase [24].

Mergers and Acquisitions - Quantum Song Group announced a merger investment cooperation with Letsvan, marking a significant entry into the trendy toy market and setting a record for financing in China's trendy toy industry in 2025 [3] - Letsvan will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quantum Song, with its financial data included in the group's consolidated financial statements [3] Financing Activities - Xidian Tea completed a Series A financing round of 30 million yuan, led by Guan Feng Yong Yue, aimed at expanding its smart production base and upgrading its international raw material traceability system [4][5] - Huiyi Technology, an internet home decoration service platform, raised several million yuan in Series A financing, which will be used for product iteration and market expansion [6] Company Intelligence - BaWang Tea Ji submitted an IPO application to the SEC, reporting a GMV of 29.5 billion yuan for 2024, a 173% increase year-on-year, with a net profit of 2.515 billion yuan, up 213.3% [7] - Shubao International, focusing on disposable hygiene products, went public with a share price of 0.51 HKD, raising approximately 86 million HKD [8] Market Trends - Cocoa prices have surged due to adverse weather and supply shortages, with Brazil aiming to establish the world's largest cocoa farm, expecting production to reach 300,000 tons by the end of the year [17] - The price of kale has increased from 0.8 yuan to 3.5 yuan per jin due to its popularity among tea brands, although experts warn about the nutritional claims of related products [22] Brand Developments - Lanvin clarified that its recent store closures in China are part of a strategic adjustment and that it will continue to invest in the Chinese market [11] - The second-hand market for luxury watches, including Rolex, has seen significant price drops, with some models losing nearly half their value [20]

Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity of kale drinks in tea shops is driven by consumer demand for healthier options, but their actual effectiveness for weight loss is questionable [1][3][4]. Consumer Confusion - Many consumers believe that kale drinks can aid in weight loss due to marketing terms like "light burden" and "slim" used by various tea brands [1][3]. - The price of kale drinks ranges from 20 to 30 yuan per cup, making them more expensive than traditional tea options [2][7]. Nutritional Analysis - Kale itself does not have direct weight loss effects, and the drinks often contain high sugar and calorie content due to added fruits and sweeteners [3][4][8]. - For example, a 500ml kale drink from Nayuki contains 166.5 calories, equivalent to a bowl of rice, while avocado and coconut milk in other drinks significantly increase their caloric content [4][9]. Legal Opinions - Legal experts suggest that companies should avoid misleading terms like "slim" and must accurately label ingredients and caloric content to comply with consumer protection laws [5][10]. - If companies misrepresent the health benefits of kale drinks, they may face legal consequences, including potential claims for damages [10][11].