Store Expansion - Luckin Coffee opened 166 new stores, while Lucky Coffee in Shandong surpassed 1,000 stores [2] - Lavazza Coffee launched its first store in Hong Kong, and Blue Bottle Coffee announced new openings in Hangzhou [2] - Kenyue Coffee reached 1,800 stores, and Xianji opened its first store in Beijing [2] - Nayuki launched its first innovative concept store in Shenzhen [2] - Mixue Ice Cream plans to open its first store in São Paulo by 2025, and Cha Ba Dao aims to open 50 stores in South Korea next year [2] Product Innovations - New product launches included Mixue Ice Cream's Oreo series, Heytea's mushroom-flavored drink, and Gu Ming's caramel latte [4] - The popularity of milk cap products surged, with Lele Tea's strawberry milk cap drink seeing a 60% sales increase [4] - The 8th China International Import Expo featured Mixue Ice Cream's collaboration with Brazil to launch a limited edition "Brazilian Berry Ice Cream" [4] Brand Collaborations - Brands are increasingly engaging in cross-industry collaborations, extending beyond traditional IP partnerships to include beauty, home appliances, and social platforms [5] - Notable collaborations included Heytea partnering with cosmetics brand Han Shu and Grandpa's Tea collaborating with home appliance brand Aimeite [5] Sales Performance - Shuyi Burnt Immortal Grass's new strawberry drink sold over 300,000 cups in just two days, with a repurchase rate exceeding 40% [6] - Sweet Lala's upgraded products achieved over 1.3 million cups sold within a week, marking a 30% increase from the previous week [6] - Luckin Coffee led the instant coffee category with a preference rate of 13.42%, significantly ahead of its competitors [6] Supply Chain Developments - Mixue Ice Cream plans to procure 4 billion yuan worth of agricultural products in Brazil over the next 3-5 years, establishing a local supply chain [7] - Heytea announced a new franchise policy, reducing the initial franchise fee and offering material subsidies for new partners [7] New Brand Launches - A new brand, "Thai Ke Tea Garden," focusing on Thai-style tea drinks, was established with a team from 90 Yao and 7 Fen Tian [8] Financial Collaborations - Starbucks China finalized a strategic partnership with Boyu Capital, forming a joint venture for retail operations in China, with Boyu holding up to 60% equity [9] - The coffee beverage market remains active, with 32,000 coffee-related companies registered in the first ten months of 2025, matching the total for the previous year [9]

Core Insights - The article highlights the surge in demand for hot beverages as temperatures drop, with significant sales figures reported for various popular drinks [4][6][10]. Group 1: Market Trends - The topic "First Cup of Milk Tea in Winter" has garnered over 20 million views on Xiaohongshu, indicating a strong consumer interest in hot drinks [6]. - Major brands like Cha Bai Dao and Xi Tea have reported impressive sales, with Cha Bai Dao's "Super Thick Taro" selling nearly 200,000 cups on its first day and Xi Tea's "Snowy Yak Milk" selling out in multiple locations within 10 days [10][12]. - The trend of hot drink consumption is reflected in increased order volumes at physical stores, with some locations reporting that over half of the orders are for hot beverages [8][9]. Group 2: Product Innovations - Many brands are reintroducing popular products from previous years, such as Cha Bai Dao's "Super Thick Taro" and Xi Tea's "Snowy Yak Milk," which have proven to be successful in driving sales [14][17]. - New flavor combinations are emerging, with brands experimenting with unconventional ingredients like sweet soy sauce and salted egg yolk, pushing the boundaries of traditional sweet beverages [21][23]. - Seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and rice are becoming popular in beverage menus, with pumpkin being particularly prominent [24][26]. Group 3: Consumer Preferences - The article notes a shift towards using familiar, homey ingredients in drinks, which resonate well with consumers and provide a sense of nostalgia [29]. - Hot fruit teas made with ingredients like pear and orange are gaining popularity, offering a refreshing option during the colder months [30][32]. - Brands are encouraged to innovate while maintaining a balance between classic flavors and new combinations to attract a broader customer base [19][35].

Core Insights - The demand for hot beverages has surged across multiple regions in China as temperatures drop, leading to significant sales increases for various brands [1][2][6] - Popular products include "Super Thick Taro Mud" from Cha Bai Dao, which sold nearly 200,000 cups on its first day, and "Strawberry Milk Cloud Mochi" from Shu Yi Shao Xian Cao, which sold 300,000 cups within 48 hours [1][6] Group 1: Market Trends - The topic "First Cup of Milk Tea in Winter" has gained over 20 million views on Xiaohongshu, indicating a strong consumer interest in hot drinks [1] - Offline store orders for hot drinks have increased significantly, with some stores reporting that over half of the orders are for hot beverages [2] - Major brands are actively launching new products to capitalize on the rising demand, with Cha Bai Dao introducing a cake milk tea series and other brands promoting their classic hot drink offerings [3][4] Group 2: Product Innovations - Many brands are reintroducing successful past products, such as Cha Bai Dao's "Super Thick Taro Mud," which has proven to be a hit again this season [8] - The trend of combining unconventional ingredients, such as sweet soy sauce and salted egg yolk with traditional beverages, is gaining traction, showcasing a willingness to experiment with flavors [10][12] - Common ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and rice are being incorporated into drinks, reflecting a shift towards more familiar, home-style flavors [12][14] Group 3: Seasonal Adaptations - Hot fruit teas made with ingredients like pear and orange are becoming popular as the seasons change, with brands innovating by pairing these fruits with various tea bases [15][17] - The introduction of seasonal flavors and ingredients is expected to continue, with brands planning to incorporate apples and strawberries into their offerings [17]