Zhejiang Leads Store Expansion in April Report
According to the latest industry tracking data for April 2026, Zhejiang province has emerged as the frontrunner in tea and coffee store expansion, adding 355 new locations. Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces followed closely, reflecting the continued density growth in China’s economically vibrant coastal regions.
(Expansion continues for major brands like Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities)
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) Makes Fan-Made “Mixue Combo” Official
In a rare moment of community-driven product development, Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) has officially launched the “Mint Ice Cream Americano.” The drink originated from a viral social media trend where netizens mixed Luckin’s Black Chocolate Americano with Mixue (蜜雪冰城) Mint Ice Cream. The official version is now available via the Luckin App, marking a successful cross-brand interaction.
(Mixue (蜜雪冰城) soft serve has become a key ingredient in “dark cuisine” beverage hacks)
Premium Pioneer Seesaw Coffee (Seesaw 咖啡) Faces Bankruptcy Liquidation
Seesaw Coffee (Seesaw 咖啡), one of China’s earliest specialty coffee chains, is reportedly undergoing bankruptcy liquidation due to mounting debt and intensifying competition. The news has sent shockwaves through the industry, raising questions about the financial sustainability of “third-wave” boutique coffee models in an era of aggressive price wars.
(Seesaw Coffee (Seesaw 咖啡) known for its architectural store designs)
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) “Hello Apple” Hits 8.75 Million in First Week
The “Hello Apple” (你好苹果) series launched by Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) on April 25 has achieved a massive sales milestone, moving 8.75 million cups within its first week. The fruity coffee series continues Luckin’s strategy of high-frequency product launches to maintain consumer interest.
Starbucks (星巴克) Expands RTD Portfolio with Baya Energy
Starbucks (星巴克) has introduced its “Baya Energy” line to the Chinese retail market, starting with Sam’s Club locations. The plant-based, antioxidant-rich sparkling energy drink marks Starbucks’ deeper push into the Ready-To-Drink (RTD) beverage segment, competing with traditional energy drink giants.
(Starbucks (星巴克) Baya Energy drink launched in retail channels)
Nestlé Japan (雀巢日本) to Raise Bottled Coffee Prices
Citing rising raw material and logistics costs, Nestlé Japan (雀巢日本) announced a price hike of approximately 14% for its bottled coffee products, effective August 1. This move reflects the global inflationary pressures impacting the entire coffee supply chain.
