China cultivates ‘joy economy’ with new focus on contentment
After years of downplaying the importance of its citizens' emotional well-being, China is showing new interest in the so-called "emotional economy," including a "joy economy" segment where people find small pleasures in things like a cup of bubble tea or a Labubu collectible toy. What's driving Beijing's greater emphasis on this part of the economy now, and is this a new long-term focus?
Which of China’s milk tea makers might line up for Gong Cha sale?
Chagee and Chabaidao look the most suitable to make potential bids for the majority stake in the premium tea pioneer being sold by TA Associates Key Takeaways: TA Associates has…
Auntea Jenny survives at periphery of China bubble tea market. Drink with caution
After a difficult period of revenue contraction in 2024, the mid-tier premium tea seller returned to strong profit growth last year Key Takeaways: Auntea Jenny said it expects to report…
Mixue dips toe into beer market with first major post-IPO purchase
The leading milk tea chain will pay $40 million for 51% of Fulujia, one of the country’s leading operators of stores selling beer-based drinks Key Takeaways: Mixue will pay 285.6…
NEWS WRAP: Chagee posts double-digit growth, as global expansion advances
The premium tea chain’s revenue rose 10.5% in the second quarter, as it entered the U.S. with its first store in Los Angeles https://youtu.be/4XDOwHwZ-cI By Doug Young Premium tea…
Zeekr’s buyout stalls, and Chagee’s returns cool
A group of early investors in NEV maker Zeekr have protested a recent privatization bid for the company, saying it's too low. Will the buyer heed their complaints and raise its offer? And Chagee's maiden quarterly results show its revenue grew at just half the rate of its new store openings. What's behind the evaporting returns?
NEWS WRAP: Auntea Jenny passes listing hearing, paving the way for Hong Kong IPO
The premium tea chain’s listing would be the final one in a recent string of similar IPOs that will collectively raise nearly $2 billion By Doug Young Auntea Jenny…
