China's consumer landscape is increasingly divergent. Lower-tier cities are rebounding faster and showing greater resilience than first- and second-tier cities. While large catering businesses struggle, smaller restaurants thrive. How can brands understand these diverging trends and their implications? Read on to find out more.

Corn-based coffee and drinks are trending in China, attracting wellness-focused consumers with their creative versatility, health appeal, and nostalgic flavours. Stable supply chains and regional pride further enhance their popularity, turning traditional corn into a modern beverage hit.

A number of high-end restaurants in China have closed or cut prices to stay afloat in the fierce dining market. However, we're seeing restaurants that blend dining with immersive experiences dining popular among young consumers, without lowering prices. Even without supply chain or scale advantages, these places are gaining a distinct competitive edge.

The wild Yunnan mushroom "Jian Shou Qing" went viral over summer. Despite its toxicity when undercooked, it's become a social media sensation and a trendy ingredient/flavour where the thrill and novelty, rather than taste, drive its popularity.

In mid-August, HEYTEA announced the launch of the "caffeine traffic light", disclosing the caffeine content of their fresh drinks. This approach helps consumers better manage their daily caffeine intake, raises the competitive standard within the milk tea industry and symbolises the need for personalisation to needs.

In China's new first-tier, second-tier, and third-tier cities, there's a craft beer chain called "Fu Lu Jia." The brand primarily targets the budget consumer market, with an operating model and pricing structure very similar to many tea drink brands in China. It has already opened over 130 locations. The evolution of craft beer poses some interesting questions about medium-term trends.

With the advancement of AI, many industries have successfully reduced costs and increased efficiency, and the food & beverage sector has seen the emergence of many innovative and data-driven products. However, are AI-developed foods really as good as we imagine yet?

In April, Lin Yuanchun birch water became the top-selling beverage on Douyin, surpassing brands like Coca-Cola and Oriental Leaf. Birch water continues to gain popularity, driven by its health benefits and the aggressive marketing on social media.

You can now book an at-home milk tea service! In Chengdu and Suzhou, some milk tea shops are launching this new service. What is driving the popularity of this new service?

Earlier this month, China's leading chain coffee brand, Luckin, launched a new crossover product called Light Jasmine milk tea. Due to its striking similarities with CHAGEE's signature product, bóyájuéxián, many netizens believe Luckin is essentially "replicating" it.

This summer, the combination of mint and chocolate has become a trending flavour in China following its popularity in other countries. Various brands are introducing mint chocolate-flavoured products in drinks, ice cream, bakery and cakes.

Size matters in the China market, but many foreign brands still miss the memo. Size preferences are notably different in China from Western markets across many categories, here are some reasons why...

White-collar workers looking to lose weight are bringing one-cup mini lunches to work. Though just a few bites in size, they are tasty and nutritious. Lawson has tapped into this trend by launching their mini bento meals…

Pangdonglai is rewriting the rules of retail in China, but not through a shiny new tech-based model

Snacks are getting supersized and catching attention on social media for their social appeal. With giant snacks, brands also enjoy greater exposure as well.

Guizhou sour soup hotpot is captivating Chinese consumers’ taste buds this summer. It’s as visually appealing as it is unique, with a distinctive blend of both sour and spicy flavours. Check it out to find more about its recipe for success in China's competitive hotpot market.

Traditional supermarket chains in China are struggling due to the intense competition from e-commerce. As consumer shopping and dining habits shift, these supermarkets are turning to in-store dining areas or large canteens to stay in business.

Thai milk tea has successfully carved out a niche in China’s ever-evolving milk tea market. Despite its high sugar and milk content, how does it manage to stand out in an increasingly health-conscious market? Read on to find out more…