1. Release of China Ready-to-Drink Tea and Coffee Industry Monthly Report (March 2026)
On April 20, the Tea & Coffee Observation officially published the ‘China Ready-to-Drink Tea and Coffee Industry Monthly Report (March 2026).’ Compared to February, shopping mall storefronts decreased by 209, a drop of 0.77%. Brands continued to intensify layouts around key traffic hubs, with 57 new stores opened in such locations.
This report highlights the ongoing consolidation and strategic positioning trends within the sector, emphasizing traffic hub-centric expansion.
2. Emporium Pluit Mall Launches Auntea Jenny’s First Store in Jakarta, Indonesia
On April 24, Auntea Jenny opened its inaugural store at Emporium Pluit Mall in Jakarta. The average daily sales volume during the first three days approached 1,500 cups.
This expansion signals Chinese tea brands’ growing ambition in Southeast Asian markets, leveraging mature product appeal abroad.
3. Cotti Coffee Announces Brand Identity Overhaul
On April 27, Cotti Coffee publicly announced a new brand identity. Retaining existing brand assets and recognition, the new logo integrates the ‘@’ symbol with a coffee cup wheel design, presenting a technology-forward and visually impactful new mark.
This rebranding effort aims to strengthen the brand’s contemporary appeal and market differentiation in a competitive industry.
4. Chayan Yuese Launches New Product “Busy Going Wild” Guava Mango Sour Yogurt Iced Tea
On April 24, Chayan Yuese introduced ‘Busy Going Wild,’ a guava mango sour yogurt iced tea. The product uses unripe Hainan elephant tooth fruit, processed with high-pressure pasteurization (HPP) for freshness, paired with guava green tea, topped with fresh jasmine nitrogen foam and sour plum powder.
This launch reflects innovation in tea beverages by integrating exotic ingredients and advanced processing techniques.
5. CoCo Introduces ‘Milk Thousand-Layer Toast’ and New Breakfast + Coffee/Tea Model
Starting April 28, CoCo will add the ‘Milk Thousand-Layer Toast’ to all stores and introduce a new ‘Breakfast + Coffee/Tea’ service model. This move aims to further develop tea and coffee consumption occasions.
Such diversification signals brands’ efforts to enhance consumer engagement and extend operational hours.
6. Chayan Yuese Unveils New Store Format in Changsha Jiayuan Xintiandi
On April 28, Chayan Yuese launched a new store format in Changsha Jiayuan Xintiandi, featuring an expanded selection of ready-to-eat meals and a dedicated retail area.
The new format targets diversified consumer preferences and increasing demand for food pairing options.
7. Guming Tests ‘Bring Your Own Cup’ Promotion in Wenling Daxi Town
Recently, Guming piloted a ‘Bring Your Own Cup’ campaign in Wenling Daxi Town. Customers spending over RMB30 receive a dedicated code for a free cup. Those using their own cups for purchases can enjoy discounts as low as RMB4.9.
This initiative promotes sustainability while encouraging repeat purchases through incentive programs.
8. ‘Sour Ant Jasmine Milk Tea’ Beverage Gains Popularity on Social Media
A recently launched hard beverage called ‘Sour Ant Jasmine Milk Tea,’ introduced by a wild mushroom hotpot restaurant in Kunming, Yunnan, has gone viral on social platforms. The drink features jasmine milk tea as the base and is topped with real sour ants as garnish.
This unique product exemplifies innovation and local ingredient utilization attracting consumer attention online.
