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…
China’s franchising boom cooks up new giants, leaves mid-tier Western chains behind
"Geopolitics and the aftermath of Covid provided conditions for Chinese consumers to start favoring domestic brands, to the detriment of Western brands that were not sufficiently or strongly established in…
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…
Luckin eyes new challenge to Starbucks with potential Costa bid
China’s leading coffee chain is reportedly in discussions with one or more banks for a $900 million loan to finance a bid for the British coffee chain, which is being…
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…
Despite stellar results, Mixue gets investor cold shoulder as delivery wars wind down
Analysts are calling the leading bubble tea chain’s revenue and profit gains unsustainable as its takeout delivery partners pledge to cut back on discounts and vouchers Key Takeaways: Mixue’s shares…
