Industry Report: Campus Store Footprint Expands to 6,215
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 campus channels reached 6,215, a net increase of 34 locations compared to the previous month. The report notes that while Mixue Bingcheng (蜜雪冰城) and its sub-brand Lucky Coffee (幸运咖) underwent seasonal footprint adjustments, the overall campus sector has shown a strong recovery in transaction volume.
(Campus channels remain a strategic growth engine for both budget and premium coffee brands in China)
Starbucks China (星巴克) Upgrades Soft Serve Frappuccino Series
Starbucks China (星巴克) has announced a significant upgrade to its “Soft Serve Frappuccino” collection, introducing three new premium flavors: Rice Cheese, Cocoa Hazelnut, and Italian Pistachio. To celebrate the launch, the brand has partnered with the famous IP MOLLY by POP MART for its 20th anniversary, featuring limited-edition themed cups and collectibles across major urban markets.
CoCo (CoCo都可) Debuts Sea Salt Caramel Bread Cube Snacks
Global chain CoCo (CoCo都可) is expanding its snack category with the release of “Sea Salt Caramel Bread Cubes.” The crunchy, twice-baked croutons are available as a low-cost add-on for any beverage or as part of a high-value “Apple Da Hong Pao” combo set, priced at just 11.9 RMB, targeting the growing “beverage + snack” consumer occasion.
Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) Launches Limited-Time “Ice Cold Jasmine” Latte
Changsha-based Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) has unveiled its latest seasonal innovation, the “Ice Cold Jasmine” Lemon Latte (ice冷香凝). Available for only 60 days, the drink utilizes cold-press technology and natural centrifugal processing to extract pure jasmine-lemon flavors, offering a refreshing and “low-burden” option for the peak summer heat.
(Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) continues to lead the sector with high-frequency seasonal product launches)
Sweetheart Pipi (甜心皮皮) Sets Henan as Core Strategic Hub
Rising beverage brand Sweetheart Pipi (甜心皮皮) has officially designated Henan province as the core anchor for its nationwide expansion strategy. The brand has already successfully opened 13 stores in Zhengzhou, leveraging the region’s high density of young urban consumers to pilot its next-generation retail formats.
(Sweetheart Pipi (甜心皮皮) focuses on efficient store models to drive rapid regional penetration)
CHAGEE (霸王茶姬) Viral “Peach Blossom” Paper Bag Design Trending
CHAGEE (霸王茶姬) has gained significant social media traction for its latest artistic collaboration with 80-year-old Chinese illustrator Cai Gao. The new paper bag design features a four-sided puzzle-like illustration of “The Peach Blossom Spring,” blending traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern commercial packaging to create a “collector’s edition” buzz among fans.
(CHAGEE (霸王茶姬) leverages premium cultural collaborations to differentiate its brand identity)
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) Growth Driven by Demand for “Light” Beverages
Yang Fei, Co-founder and CGO of Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡), noted that long-term users—those with the brand for over three years—are increasingly shifting their preference toward “light” and low-calorie beverage options. This trend has heavily influenced Luckin’s recent R&D strategy, resulting in 10 new product launches during the month of June alone.
