Industry Report: Subway Store Count Hits 1,910
According to the “China Fresh-made Tea and Coffee Industry Monthly Report (May 2026),” the total number of stores operated by 48 mainstream brands in subway stations reached 1,910, a net increase of 20 locations. Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城) led the expansion with 7 new subway stores, though its total subway footprint remains a small fraction of its massive overall network.
(Brands like Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) continue to innovate with interactive marketing campaigns)
Cotti Coffee (库迪咖啡) Adjusts Franchisee Policies
Cotti Coffee (库迪咖啡) has reportedly canceled its “Minimum Return Guarantee” policy for franchisees as of June 30. The move has led to increased financial pressure on store owners, resulting in a wave of store transfers and heightening concerns over the long-term profitability of the budget coffee chain’s aggressive expansion model.
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) x Duolingo Collaboration Goes Viral
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) has launched a high-profile collaboration with the language-learning app Duolingo, titled “11 Children Born in the 2nd Year of Marriage.” The campaign features 11 themed products including cards and plush charms, leveraging World Cup-themed marketing to drive engagement among young consumers.
HEYTEA (喜茶) Launches Beer-Infused Fruit Tea in Guangzhou
On July 6, HEYTEA (喜茶) introduced its latest “New Tea-Wine” innovation, “Drunk Huangpi Peach” (微醺黄皮桃), in the Guangzhou market. The drink blends Corona beer with seasonal fruits and Qilan Oolong tea, offering a low-alcohol (0.6% vol) refreshing option for the summer peak.
(HEYTEA (喜茶) continues to push the boundaries of cross-category beverage fusion)
Lemon Right (柠檬向右) Reports Strong Debut Performance
Fresh snack and beverage chain Lemon Right (柠檬向右) has announced that its first store achieved over 3.53 million RMB in revenue during its opening month. The 131-square-meter location features a highly efficient “high-density” format, integrating fresh-baked snacks with specialty tea and coffee.
(Innovative retail formats like Lemon Right (柠檬向右) are gaining traction in prime urban districts)
Industry Aid Mobilized for Hengzhou Jasmine Disaster
In response to recent flooding in Hengzhou, China’s largest jasmine production base, 15 major beverage brands including Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城), ChaPanda (茶百道), and Goodme (古茗) have provided emergency aid and donations. The coordinated industry action highlights the critical importance of the jasmine supply chain to the national tea sector.
Starbucks China (星巴克) Responds to Personnel Rumors
Following reports that former Sam’s China CMO Zhang Qing may join a venture capital firm to oversee operations for a Starbucks China (星巴克) joint venture, the coffee giant stated it has “no information” regarding the matter. The rumors have sparked widespread speculation about potential strategic restructuring for the brand’s China operations.
