Tea And Coffee Industry Snapshot In China (April 22, 2026)

1. Cotti Coffee Standardizes Global Menu with “Iced Matcha Latte” Series and New Supply Chain Center

Cotti Coffee has officially launched its “Iced Matcha Latte” series across its global network, marking a key step in its “Global Product Consistency” strategy. This initiative aims to provide a standardized beverage experience for consumers in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe, reinforcing the brand’s position as a scalable global competitor in the affordable coffee segment.

Cotti Coffee Iced Matcha Latte

To support this international expansion, Cotti also announced the completion of its new global supply chain center in Anhui, China. This facility will serve as the central hub for ingredient sourcing and distribution, ensuring that global locations maintain consistent quality and freshness as the brand accelerates its worldwide rollout.

2. Luckin Coffee Targets Premium Segment with New Single-Origin Bean (SOE) Series

Luckin Coffee has introduced its latest “Global Single-Origin Bean” (SOE) series, featuring specialty beans from the “Black Gold” estate in Ethiopia and the “Red Bourbon” variety from Rwanda. This premium lineup is designed to appeal to coffee enthusiasts looking for distinct flavor profiles, moving beyond Luckin’s traditional focus on blended beverages.

Luckin Coffee SOE Ethiopia and Rwanda Beans

The rollout of this series to all Tier-1 and Tier-2 city stores signals Luckin’s determination to compete more directly with high-end specialty coffee shops. By leveraging its vast store network to offer single-origin specialty coffee at accessible price points, Luckin is effectively democratizing premium coffee experiences for urban consumers in China.

3. CHAGEE Appoints Laufey as North American Brand Ambassador to Drive US Market Expansion

CHAGEE has officially named two-time Grammy winner Laufey as its first North American Brand Ambassador. This high-profile partnership is a strategic move to build brand awareness and cultural resonance as CHAGEE accelerates its entry into the United States market, following its successful growth in Southeast Asia.

CHAGEE Brand Ambassador Laufey

By aligning with a globally recognized artist whose aesthetic matches CHAGEE’s “Modern Teahouse” concept, the brand is positioning itself as a premium, culturally-driven alternative in the North American beverage landscape. This collaboration highlights CHAGEE’s commitment to localized marketing strategies that bridge traditional tea culture with international pop culture.

4. Naìsnow Unveils “Naìsnow Discovery” Store Model for High-Efficiency Urban Delivery

Naìsnow has introduced its new “Naìsnow Discovery” (奈雪发现店) store model, a compact retail format optimized for high-speed automated tea production and digital pickup. These stores are designed with a smaller footprint and advanced equipment to reduce wait times and operating costs while prioritizing delivery and mobile orders in dense urban environments.

Naìsnow Storefront

The launch of the “Discovery” model reflects the industry’s shift toward ultra-efficient, tech-driven retail solutions. By optimizing store layouts for convenience rather than traditional seated experiences, Naìsnow is adapting to the evolving habits of “on-the-go” consumers and improving its unit economics in competitive retail hubs.

5. Molly Tea Enters North American Market with First US Store in Maryland

Molly Tea (茉莉奶白) has officially launched its North American debut with the opening of its first store in Maryland, USA. Soft opening operations began on April 21, with the official grand opening scheduled for April 24. This location represents the brand’s first step in testing its signature jasmine-focused milk tea concept with Western consumers.

Molly Tea Maryland Soft Opening

The arrival of Molly Tea in the U.S. adds to the growing wave of specialized Chinese tea brands seeking international growth. For domestic operators, this successful opening serves as a blueprint for translating localized niche concepts—such as high-end jasmine tea—into viable international business models through targeted geographic entry.