1. Starbucks China Partners with Pop Icon Jay Chou for Summer Campaign
Starbucks China has announced a high-profile collaboration with pop star Jay Chou, recommending two signature beverages: a non-sweet Vanilla Flavored Latte and a sugar-free Sea Salt Caramel Flavored Americano. The campaign includes limited-edition lyric cups, themed bags, and exclusive receipts.
This celebrity partnership is a strategic move to leverage massive fan engagement and drive seasonal sales momentum. By aligning with cultural icons, Starbucks aims to strengthen its connection with the youth market and maintain its leadership in lifestyle-oriented coffee marketing.
2. Manner Coffee Unveils First “Space 3.0” Impression Store in Shanghai
Manner Coffee officially opened its first “Space 3.0” impression store at LuOne City Mall in Shanghai on May 13. As of the end of April, Manner Coffee has expanded its footprint to 333 stores nationwide, according to Yi Lan Business data.
The introduction of the Space 3.0 concept signifies Manner’s strategic move to enhance its brand experience through innovative interior design and service models. By focusing on flagship urban locations, the brand aims to solidify its position in the competitive high-end specialty coffee market.
3. Ka Wang Ka Launches Seasonal “Watermelon Bucket” for Summer
Ka Wang Ka has introduced a new seasonal “Watermelon Bucket” featuring approximately 400g of freshly cut watermelon priced at 10 CNY. This follows their premium A-grade seedless watermelon offering, which was priced at 38 CNY for a whole fruit.
This product launch targets the budget-conscious summer market, leveraging high-volume seasonal fruit to drive foot traffic. Ka Wang Ka’s strategy of offering tiered pricing for fresh fruit products highlights its agility in responding to consumer demand for refreshing, value-driven summer options.
4. Yunnan’s “Qi Lin Da Kou Cha” to Enter Beijing with Landmark Location
The renowned Yunnan lemon tea brand “Qi Lin Da Kou Cha” (麒麟大口茶) has fenced off its first Beijing location at Bloomage LIVE in Wukesong. Founded in 2017 with a single-product focus, the brand has consistently led the Yunnan lemon tea sales charts for seven consecutive years.
Entering the capital’s landmark commercial districts marks a significant expansion phase for the brand beyond its regional stronghold. By bringing its “single-product” success pattern to Beijing, the brand aims to capture the premium lemon tea market in Northern China.
5. GoodMe Upgrades Coffee Menu with Premium Ethiopia SOE Beans
GoodMe (古茗) has upgraded its entire coffee product line by offering a premium Ethiopia SOE (Single Origin Espresso) bean upgrade for an additional 2 CNY. As of late April, the value-driven tea giant has expanded its network to 13,667 stores across China.
The move to incorporate specialty-grade SOE beans into a mass-market menu reflects the “premiumization” trend in China’s tea-led coffee segment. By offering high-quality upgrades at a minimal cost, GoodMe aims to improve its coffee credibility and cater to increasingly discerning consumers.
6. Cha Hua Nong Opens Third New Zealand Store in Christchurch
Xi’an-based tea brand Cha Hua Nong (茶话弄) has soft-opened its third New Zealand location in Christchurch. On the first day of trial operations, the store recorded 1,069 cups sold with total revenue reaching 39,098.8 NZD.
This successful debut in the South Island of New Zealand underscores the growing global appeal of “new-style” Chinese tea culture. Cha Hua Nong’s international expansion strategy focuses on establishing high-performing retail hubs in key overseas markets to build global brand awareness.
7. Shanghai Hongqiao Hub Hosts “Free Coffee” Event for Travelers
From May 10 to 14, travelers passing through the Shanghai Hongqiao Integrated Transportation Hub can receive a free cup of freshly made coffee at the local community service center. Over the past three years, this recurring public welfare event has distributed more than 7,500 cups.
This initiative highlights the integration of public services and lifestyle amenities in major transportation hubs. Such events enhance the passenger experience while showcasing the “human-centric” approach to urban management in China’s busiest travel gateways.
