Tea And Coffee Industry Snapshot In China (May 28, 2026)

Molly Tea (茉莉奶白) Announces Second “100-Store” Opening Wave

Molly Tea (茉莉奶白) has successfully completed its second simultaneous opening of 100 new stores, reaching a new milestone in its national expansion. The event achieved record-breaking daily GMV across its network, underscoring the brand’s dominant position in the modern jasmine-themed beverage segment.

Molly Tea Store
(Molly Tea (茉莉奶白) Store Image)

ChaPanda (茶百道) Unveils Personified Panda IP Upgrade

ChaPanda (茶百道) has officially introduced its upgraded brand IP, featuring a new personified panda character. This visual identity refresh is designed to enhance brand recognition and establish a more emotional connection with the Gen-Z consumer base.

ChaPanda IP Upgrade
(ChaPanda (茶百道) New IP Visuals)

Starbucks (星巴克) China Collaborates with Artist Jay Chou

Starbucks (星巴克) China has launched a major cross-over collaboration with iconic musician Jay Chou. The campaign features limited-edition merchandise and specially curated beverage items, leveraging celebrity influence to drive engagement and attract high foot traffic to physical stores.

Goodme (古茗) Brings Back Popular “Roasted Winter Melon” Series

Goodme (古茗) has officially resumed the sale of its fan-favorite “Roasted Winter Melon” (烧冬瓜) series. The return of this classic product line is a strategic move to capitalize on seasonal demand and maintain high customer retention during the summer peak.

Ningji (柠季) Rumored to Explore Acquisition of Häagen-Dazs China

Market rumors indicate that lemon tea specialist Ningji (柠季) is in preliminary discussions regarding the acquisition of Häagen-Dazs’ business operations in mainland China. This bold move highlights the brand’s ambition for horizontal growth and premium market positioning.

Ningji Store
(Ningji (柠季) Brand Environment)

Customs Policy Opens Door for New African Coffee Bean Imports

The General Administration of Customs has issued a new announcement allowing the importation of coffee beans from additional African countries. This policy expansion is set to provide Chinese roasters with more diverse sourcing options and introduce unique African flavor profiles to local consumers.

African Coffee Beans
(High-quality African Coffee Beans)

China’s On-Premise Beverage Sector Shows Steady Growth in Q2

Recent industry data through April 2026 confirms that the number of active tea and coffee shops in China is still increasing steadily. The continued expansion of offline networks demonstrates the sector’s resilience and the ongoing intense competition among top-tier brands for market share.