Core Insights - The emergence of the "Mini Economy" is reshaping consumer preferences, with a focus on smaller, more convenient product sizes across various sectors, particularly in beverages, ice cream, and alcoholic drinks [1][8] Beverage Industry - The beverage industry has been a pioneer in miniaturization, with Coca-Cola and Pepsi leading the way by introducing portable, smaller-sized products that cater to consumer demand for "small capacity, light burden" [2] - Coca-Cola launched a 200ml pocket-sized cola in China, achieving over 2 million cases in sales within the first month [2] - Other brands like Sprite and Fanta quickly followed suit, establishing a mini product lineup that resonates with consumers who prefer smaller portions [2] Ice Cream Sector - Mini ice creams have emerged as a solution for consumers who want to indulge without overconsumption, with brands like Hema introducing mini ice cream options that have seen significant sales [3] - Hema's mini ice cream products, priced at 24.9 yuan and 29.9 yuan for 18 sticks, have achieved over 15,000 online orders in a single store within a month [3] - The trend is supported by predictions from Euromonitor, which estimates a 7% compound annual growth rate for ice creams sized 50ml and below over the next four years [3] Alcoholic Beverages - The miniaturization trend is also evident in the alcoholic beverage sector, with small-sized bottles (30-50ml) gaining popularity in retail settings [5] - A report from Taobao indicates that sales of alcoholic beverages under 330ml have increased by over 40% since June 2023, highlighting a shift towards smaller, more affordable options [5] - The small bottle market is projected to capture 25% of the light bottle market, with a value of approximately 15 billion yuan, and is expected to maintain a growth rate of 15%-20% [6] Consumer Demand Transformation - The rise of single-person households in China, exceeding 240 million, is driving the growth of the "one-person meal" market, projected to reach 800 billion yuan by 2024 [7] - The Z generation, as the main consumer force, values personalized, diverse, and visually appealing products, which aligns with the offerings of mini-sized products [7] - Increased health consciousness among consumers is also fueling the demand for smaller packaging, allowing for better control over calorie intake [7] Strategic Business Implications - Companies are not only responding to consumer demand but are also strategically positioning themselves in the market by offering smaller packaging, which lowers the economic barrier for trying new products [8] - The mini economy is extending its influence across various sectors, fundamentally altering consumer choices and reshaping the competitive landscape of the fast-moving consumer goods industry [8]