Starbucks (星巴克) Dominates 40% of China’s Airport Beverage Market
A newly released June 2026 report reveals that Starbucks (星巴克) remains the absolute leader in China’s airport channels, accounting for nearly 40% of total tea and coffee store locations across 39 major airports. The brand’s premium positioning and high-volume consistency continue to make it the primary choice for domestic and international travelers.
(Starbucks (星巴克) leverages its premium Reserve brand to capture high-value airport travelers)
Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城) Rolls Out Automated Coffee Machines Nationwide
Budget giant Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城) has begun a significant regional rollout of fully automated coffee machines across its network. The upgrade aims to standardize product quality and increase service speed as the brand accelerates its push into the budget coffee segment, competing directly with chains like Lucky Coffee (幸运咖).
(Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城) continues to scale its budget coffee offerings through automation)
CHAGEE (霸王茶姬) Forecasts Aggressive Coffee Machine Expansion
In its latest financial outlook, CHAGEE (霸王茶姬) has signaled a strategic shift toward rapid coffee machine integration. The brand plans to install professional-grade coffee equipment across its 7,000+ stores to support its growing hybrid tea-coffee menu, aiming for a significant share of the morning caffeine market.
(CHAGEE (霸王茶姬) maintains a premium design aesthetic as it expands its operational capabilities)
Starbucks Reserve (星巴克臻选) Brings Back Whiskey Barrel-Aged Series
Starbucks Reserve (星巴克臻选) has officially relaunched its viral “Whiskey Barrel-Aged Coffee” series in China. The collection features non-alcoholic beverages with complex, smoky flavor profiles, targeting specialty coffee enthusiasts and reinforcing Starbucks’ status in artisanal coffee innovation.
Cuonai Little Town (厝内小眷村) Debuts “Lemon Milk” Summer Series
Nostalgic tea brand Cuonai Little Town (厝内小眷村) has launched its new “Lemon Milk” series. The innovation focuses on a smooth, non-curdling dairy base paired with high-acidity citrus, catering to the peak summer demand for refreshing yet creamy beverage profiles.
Auntea Jenny (沪上阿姨) Announces Plan to Transition to HK Main Board
Leading chain Auntea Jenny (沪上阿姨) has officially filed for a transition of its listing status to the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The move reflects the brand’s strengthening financial position and its intention to attract more institutional investment for global expansion.
Baozhu Gong (煲珠公) Expands Snacking Category with 5 RMB Roasted Sausage
Specialty chain Baozhu Gong (煲珠公) has introduced a value-priced 5 RMB “Taro Roasted Sausage” as a strategic add-on. This move into high-margin, low-barrier snacks highlights the industry trend of competing with convenience stores for quick-bite meal occasions.
