Tea-Free & Coffee-Free Innovations Peak in Early 2026
According to the newly released industry report for May 2026, 25 mainstream beverage brands in China launched a total of 67 “tea-free & coffee-free” drinks between January and May. The trend peaked in March with 23 new items, focusing on milk-based, plant-based, and dessert-style meal replacements to cater to health-conscious consumers.
(HEYTEA (喜茶) continues to diversify its product portfolio with fruit-forward, tea-free options)
Lavazza x Müller Launch Chilled RTD Series in UK and Germany
In a major international retail push, Lavazza has collaborated with global dairy leader Müller to launch a new range of chilled ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee products. The lineup, featuring Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, and Tiramisu flavors, is now available in UK and German markets, blending Lavazza’s coffee expertise with Müller’s dairy dominance.
(The Lavazza x Müller partnership targets the high-growth European chilled coffee market)
ChaPanda (茶百道) Debuts “Wheatgrass” Healthy Series
ChaPanda (茶百道) has officially entered the “superfood” beverage segment with the launch of its first Wheatgrass series. Featuring items like “Wheatgrass Ice Milk” priced around 14 RMB, the brand aims to capture the growing demand for “light” and functional ingredients during the summer peak.
HEYTEA (喜茶) Releases Low-Calorie “Green Mango Sour”
HEYTEA (喜茶) has introduced “Green Mango Sour” (青芒酸), a seasonal specialty using 40-60% ripe mangoes and a jasmine tea base. Priced at 22 RMB and containing only approximately 60kcal, the drink reinforces the brand’s commitment to “transparent” and healthy beverage options.
LINLEE Lemon Tea GMV Hits 2.7 Billion RMB
Fresh lemon tea specialist LINLEE has reported a total GMV of 2.7 billion RMB for the 2025 fiscal year. To further its global brand image, the brand has named Chinese pop star Cai Xukun as its global brand ambassador, while its store network reached 1,905 locations by the end of June.
(LINLEE leverages celebrity influence to accelerate its brand premiumization and globalization)
Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) Establishes New Shenzhen Subsidiary
Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) has officially established a new subsidiary, “Shenzhen Cha Yue Ni Wo Catering Management Co., Ltd.” The move has sparked speculation about the brand’s long-term intention to expand its footprint into the competitive Tier-1 South China market.
(Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) continues to strengthen its management structure for potential regional expansion)
Bain Capital and CVC Consider Bids for Segafredo Zanetti
Global private equity firms including Bain Capital, CVC, and BC Partners are reportedly evaluating potential bids for the legendary Italian coffee producer Segafredo Zanetti. With an estimated revenue of over 1 billion EUR, the potential acquisition marks another major consolidation move in the global coffee sector.
