Tea And Coffee Industry Snapshot In China (April 30, 2026)

1. Starbucks Zhejiang Marks 25th Anniversary with Green Campaign

Starbucks is celebrating its 25th year of operations in Zhejiang province by launching a series of regional marketing events and a green-themed product collection. This milestone highlights the brand’s long-term commitment to the East China market and its successful integration into local coffee culture.

Starbucks Zhejiang 25th Anniversary

The anniversary campaign emphasizes sustainability and community connection, reflecting Starbucks’ broader strategy to strengthen regional loyalty. As one of its most mature provincial markets, Zhejiang continues to drive significant growth for the coffee giant in China.

2. Wang Taihe x Tea 3000: The Debut of “Radish Coffee”

In a bold move of cross-industry collaboration, traditional brand Wang Taihe has partnered with Tea 3000 to launch “Radish Coffee,” a unique fusion beverage that has quickly sparked online discussion. The product combines the earthy notes of radish with specialty coffee, targeting adventurous young consumers looking for “vibe-worthy” products.

Radish Coffee Collaboration

This collaboration illustrates the “Guochao” trend where traditional ingredients are reinvented through modern beverage formats. By leveraging the viral potential of unusual flavor pairings, the brands aim to capture social media attention and differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

3. CHAGEE Expands in Seoul with Simultaneous Triple Store Opening

CHAGEE has accelerated its international expansion by opening three stores simultaneously in Seoul, South Korea. The brand’s signature premium tea products and oriental-inspired store designs are being introduced to the competitive Seoul market, signaling a major step in its global growth strategy.

CHAGEE Seoul Store Opening

The triple opening underscores CHAGEE’s confidence in its operational efficiency and the international appeal of “Original Leaf Tea.” South Korea’s mature coffee and tea culture presents a strategic opportunity for Chinese brands to showcase high-end tea offerings to a discerning global audience.

4. Luckin Coffee and Yum China Report Strong Q1 Performance

Luckin Coffee and Yum China have both released their Q1 2026 financial results, showing resilient growth despite market fluctuations. Luckin continues to lead with record store numbers and digital sales, while Yum China’s beverage segments show steady recovery and expansion across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Luckin Coffee Q1 Performance

The financial data confirms that the scale-driven model remains a dominant force in China’s beverage industry. Both companies are increasingly focusing on supply chain optimization and digital loyalty programs to maintain their competitive edge and profitability.

5. HEYTEA and Tianlala Launch Seasonal Guava Series

Seasonal fruit trends continue to dominate the market as HEYTEA brings back its popular Guava series and Tianlala introduces a new “Pink Guava” collection. Guava’s unique flavor profile and vibrant color make it a preferred choice for early summer product launches, driving significant seasonal sales traffic.

Tianlala Pink Guava Series

The rapid adoption of guava-themed drinks across different market segments demonstrates the industry’s agility in supply chain sourcing for fresh fruit. Brands are increasingly relying on these seasonal “hero products” to maintain consumer interest and brand relevance throughout the year.