Coffee Dominates Airport Dining with 60% Market Share
New industry data shows that as of April 2026, there are 444 tea and coffee stores across 39 major airports in China. Coffee outlets now account for nearly 60% of these locations, while tea-focused brands make up the remaining 40%, highlighting the strong demand for caffeine among business and leisure travelers.
(Modern coffee outlets lead the expansion in high-traffic hubs)
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) Optimizes Closing Procedures for Speed
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) has introduced a new efficiency rule allowing stores to transfer pre-made ingredients into designated ice cups for storage one hour before closing. This operational shift is designed to facilitate faster equipment cleaning and streamline the end-of-day workflow for staff.
Starbucks (星巴克) China Reaches 8,640 Stores
Starbucks (星巴克) continues its aggressive footprint expansion in Mainland China, reaching a total of 8,640 stores by May 2026. The brand remains on track to hit its goal of 9,000 stores as it penetrates further into lower-tier cities and continues to innovate its digital ecosystem.
(Starbucks (星巴克) China maintains steady growth toward its 9,000-store milestone)
Ning Ji (柠季) “Lemon Day” GMV Hits 70 Million RMB
Lemon tea specialist Ning Ji (柠季) reported that its recent “Lemon Day” promotion, which ran from April to June, achieved a total GMV of 70 million RMB. The successful campaign underscores the brand’s strong resonance with younger consumers and its seasonal marketing effectiveness.
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) Launches AI Voice Ordering
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) has officially rolled out an AI-powered voice ordering feature on its platform. The technology aims to provide a more convenient and hands-free digital ordering experience, further cementing Luckin’s position as a leader in coffee retail technology.
Supply Chain Player Le Qin Innovation Raises 100 Million RMB
Boutique coffee supply chain company “Le Qin Innovation” successfully completed a 100 million RMB Series B+ funding round. The investment highlights the capital market’s continued confidence in the foundational infrastructure supporting China’s specialty coffee boom.
Oatly Rumored to Buy Out Greater China Management
Reports suggest that Oatly Group AB is planning to buy out its Greater China management team. If confirmed, this strategic move would allow for more centralized control as the brand adapts to the evolving plant-based beverage market in Asia.
