Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution of the new tea beverage industry over the past decade, highlighting significant product innovations and trends that have shaped consumer preferences [2][3]. Industry Evolution - The new tea beverage industry has experienced a "golden decade" from 2015 to 2025, marked by the emergence of "super milk teas" and innovative product offerings [2][4]. - Key products that defined this period include cheese milk cap tea, fresh fruit tea, and various unique flavors that have captured market attention [4][6]. Major Trends and Innovations - 2016 saw the rise of cheese milk cap tea, with brands like Heytea and Naixue introducing fresh fruit tea combinations, which became a hallmark of the new tea beverage era [4][6]. - The introduction of brown sugar drinks in 2017, such as the "dirty tea" from brands like Dujiaoxiang, created a new market segment and led to widespread popularity [8][10]. - By 2018, the market witnessed a surge in niche products, with brands like Shuyi and Hushang Ayi focusing on unique ingredients like grass jelly and red bean milk tea, leading to rapid expansion [14][16]. Product Highlights - Notable products from 2019 to 2020 included the introduction of creamy toppings and the "eight-treasure porridge" style drinks, which redefined consumer expectations for beverage complexity [19][21]. - The trend of using lesser-known fruits in beverages gained traction in 2021, with products like oil citrus and yellow skin fruit becoming popular, showcasing a shift towards unique flavor profiles [21][24]. - The introduction of health-focused beverages in 2023, such as light milk tea and avocado yogurt smoothies, reflects changing consumer preferences towards healthier options [29][31]. Future Outlook - By 2025, the industry is expected to continue evolving towards richer flavors and healthier options, with products like mint milk green tea and Thai salted yogurt gaining popularity [33][35]. - The article emphasizes that despite market saturation, true product innovation and quality will drive the industry's future growth, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement in ingredients and flavor profiles [35].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news highlights the recent performance of Naixue Tea, which saw a significant increase in stock price despite a year-to-date decline [1][2] - As of July 2, the Hang Seng Index rose by 0.62%, while Naixue Tea's stock price increased by 33.33% to HKD 1.68 per share, with a trading volume of 106 million shares and a turnover of HKD 170 million [1] - Over the past month, Naixue Tea has experienced a cumulative increase of 1.61%, but it has a year-to-date decline of 7.35%, underperforming the Hang Seng Index by 20% [2] Group 2 - Financial data for Naixue Tea shows total revenue of CNY 4.921 billion for the year ending December 31, 2024, representing a year-on-year decrease of 4.7%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of -CNY 917 million, a significant decline of 7036.53% [2] - The gross profit margin stands at 63.24%, and the debt-to-asset ratio is 36.48% [2] - Currently, there are no institutional investment ratings for Naixue Tea, and its price-to-earnings ratio is -2.17, ranking 100th in the industry, which has an average TTM P/E ratio of 44.85 [3] Group 3 - Naixue Tea, founded in 2015, is a pioneer in the new tea beverage sector, introducing a dual-category model of "tea drinks + soft European bread" [3] - The company focuses on a tea-centric modern lifestyle and has developed three main business segments: "freshly made tea drinks," "Naixue Mingcha," and "RTD bottled tea" [3] - As of now, Naixue Tea has expanded to nearly 100 major cities in China, with over 1,200 stores, aiming to become a globally loved tea beverage brand [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of kale as a "superfood" in the beverage industry, particularly in China, driven by marketing strategies from tea brands that transformed it from a little-known ornamental plant to a popular ingredient in drinks [4][6][16]. Group 1: Kale's Transformation - Initially, kale was considered an ornamental plant with no known edible records, but by 2025, it became a sought-after "superfood" with numerous health benefits attributed to it, such as antioxidant properties and potential cancer-fighting capabilities [4][5]. - The price of kale surged dramatically, with its acquisition price increasing from 0.8 yuan per pound in 2024 to 3.5 yuan per pound in 2025, marking a rise of over 300% [5][6]. - The domestic market share of kale shifted from 5% to 55% as tea brands began to source it for their products, indicating a significant change in consumer demand [7]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Tea brands adopted a marketing strategy that combined novelty, taste adjustment, and health benefits to promote kale, similar to the successful marketing tactics used in the West [16][20]. - The launch of "Champion Slimming Bottle" by Heytea during the Paris Olympics linked kale to health and fitness, leveraging athlete endorsements to enhance its appeal [21][22]. - The health narrative around kale was emphasized, with products marketed as "superfoods" and backed by nutritional reports, appealing to consumers' desire for healthier beverage options [25][26]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The trend of utilizing niche ingredients like kale has been observed across the beverage industry, with various brands successfully launching products featuring unique ingredients to create buzz and drive sales [28][29]. - The article highlights that the beverage industry is characterized by high competition and product homogeneity, making the discovery of niche ingredients a necessary strategy for brands to differentiate themselves [36]. - In 2024, major tea brands introduced over 2,600 new products, indicating a continuous effort to innovate and attract consumers through new flavors and ingredients [38].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of kale from a decorative plant to a "superfood" in the tea beverage industry, driven by marketing strategies and consumer health trends [3][4][5]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - In 2025, kale's price surged from 0.8 yuan per pound in 2024 to 3.5 yuan per pound, marking an increase of over 300% [3]. - The domestic market share of kale shifted from 5% to 55% as farmers pivoted from export to domestic sales due to increased demand from tea brands [4]. - The tea beverage industry has seen a trend of utilizing niche ingredients to create popular products, with kale being the latest example [26]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Tea brands have adopted a marketing approach that combines novelty, taste, and health benefits to elevate kale's status [15][24]. - The launch of "Champion Slimming Bottle" by Heytea in July 2024 marked the first major product featuring kale, coinciding with the Paris Olympics to enhance its appeal [16][21]. - The health narrative surrounding kale has been emphasized, with claims of its benefits such as weight loss and detoxification, appealing to health-conscious consumers [24]. Group 3: Historical Context - Kale has a long history, dating back to 600 BC, but its popularity in the U.S. surged only in the last decade, particularly after being featured in Beyoncé's music video in 2014 [6][7]. - Prior to its rise, kale was primarily used as animal feed or for decoration in restaurants, with its culinary use being limited [10][11]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The tea beverage market is characterized by high competition and product homogeneity, leading brands to continuously seek out unique ingredients to differentiate themselves [34]. - Following the success of kale, other tea brands quickly introduced their own kale-based products, indicating a trend of imitation within the industry [33]. Group 5: Financial Performance - In 2024, major tea brands reported varying revenue growth, with marketing expenses consistently increasing across the board, highlighting the importance of maintaining consumer interest [35].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of kale from a decorative plant to a "superfood" in the beverage industry, driven by marketing strategies and consumer health trends [3][4][5]. Group 1: Kale's Rise in Popularity - In 2025, kale transitioned from being a decorative plant to a sought-after superfood, praised for its nutritional benefits such as antioxidant properties and potential cancer-fighting abilities [3][4]. - The price of kale surged from 0.8 yuan per pound in 2024 to 3.5 yuan per pound in 2025, marking an increase of over 300% [4]. - The domestic market share of kale increased from 5% to 55% as tea brands began to source it for their products [4][5]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - The marketing success of kale in the U.S. was largely due to strategic promotion by the American Kale Association, which utilized social media to enhance its visibility [12][14]. - Celebrities and cooking tutorials played a significant role in popularizing kale, transforming it from a lowly vegetable to a trendy food item among the middle class [15][17]. - In China, tea brands adopted similar marketing tactics, associating kale with health and fitness, particularly during the Paris Olympics [18][19]. Group 3: Consumer Trends and Product Development - The tea industry has seen a trend towards health-conscious products, with brands emphasizing the nutritional benefits of kale to attract consumers concerned about weight gain [21][22]. - The introduction of kale-based products, such as the "Champion Slimming Bottle," generated significant sales, with over 1.6 million bottles sold within ten days [22]. - The trend of using niche ingredients like kale is not unique; other ingredients such as avocado and oil fruit have also gained popularity through similar marketing strategies [24][30]. Group 4: Industry Dynamics - The beverage industry is characterized by high competition and product homogeneity, leading brands to continuously seek out unique ingredients to differentiate themselves [30][31]. - Despite the initial success of niche ingredients, the industry often sees a rapid influx of similar products from competitors, diluting the uniqueness of the original offering [29][30]. - The article highlights that while niche ingredients can drive short-term sales, they may not provide sustainable differentiation in a crowded market [34][37].