In an era of rising production costs, Chinese beverage brands like Hey Tea, Mixue Bingcheng, and Nai-snow are defying expectations by offering coffee, bubble tea, and fruit drinks at just $1–2 per cup while maintaining profitability. A recent CGTN BizFocus investigation traces the success of one Central China-based lemon drink brand to its vertically integrated supply chain.
Industry analysts note that China’s tea beverage market has grown 18% annually since 2022, with over 450,000 stores now operating nationwide. The featured company achieves its low pricing through direct partnerships with lemon farmers in Sichuan Province, AI-driven inventory management systems, and hyper-localized store networks minimizing logistics costs.
Vivienne Nunis’s supply chain exploration reveals how these brands balance quality and affordability: "By controlling every step from orchard to cup, they eliminate middlemen markups while ensuring consistent taste – a formula resonating with cost-conscious consumers worldwide."
With Chinese tea brands expanding into Southeast Asia and Europe this year, the report highlights how operational efficiency and technological innovation are reshaping global perceptions of value in the food service industry.
