Tea & Coffee Sector Sees Expansion in Airport Channels
According to the April 2026 industry report, 47 brands operated a total of 445 stores in airport channels across China, accounting for 0.25% of the total industry footprint. The sector saw a net increase of 3 stores compared to March, maintaining steady growth in high-traffic travel hubs as brands prioritize strategic visibility for travelers.
Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) to Enter Hefei Market in August
The Changsha-based sensation Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) has officially announced its expansion into Hefei, Anhui province, with the first store scheduled to open in early August. As of May 28, the brand operates 935 stores nationwide, having added 10 new locations in the past month alone, continuing its steady expansion beyond its home province of Hunan.
(Chayan Yuese (茶颜悦色) Store Aesthetics)
Yogurt Cow (一只酸奶牛) Debuts “Sweet Wine” Series Inspired by Guizhou Flavors
Yogurt Cow (一只酸奶牛) has launched its new “Sweet Wine” series, drawing inspiration from Guizhou’s traditional white sour soup fermentation process. The organic acid series, priced between 13-17 RMB, features a naturally fermented glutinous rice base and has already become a top-three choice among new members seeking unique ethnic flavors.
Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) Typo “HEELO” Sparks Social Media Discussion
A printing error on Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) x Hello Kitty co-branded plush charms has gone viral. Numerous consumers in provinces like Liaoning, Hebei, and Jiangsu reported receiving tags with “HELLO” misspelled as “HEELO.” While an operational oversight, the typo has inadvertently created a “misprint edition” collector’s buzz on social platforms.
(Luckin Coffee (瑞幸咖啡) x Hello Kitty Collaboration Typos)
Dove (德芙) x Tims Coffee (Tims天好咖啡) Launch Co-branded Ice Cream
In a cross-industry collaboration, Dove (德芙) and Tims Coffee (Tims天好咖啡) have released a “Chocolate Latte Coffee Flavor Ice Cream.” The product, featuring 100% Arabica coffee powder and West African cocoa beans, is currently available exclusively at 7Fresh supermarkets, blending Tims’ coffee expertise with Dove’s chocolate dominance.
(Dove (德芙) x Tims Coffee (Tims天好咖啡) Co-branded Ice Cream)
Liang Xiao Tang (梁小糖) Tests “Luosifen” (Snail Noodle) Flavored Milk Tea
Guangxi-based brand Liang Xiao Tang (梁小糖) is testing a daring new “Luosifen Milk Tea.” Beyond the milk base, the recipe includes millet chili and salt/pepper, aiming to capture the essence of the famous local snail noodle dish in a beverage format, reflecting the industry’s trend toward bold and polarizing flavor innovations.
