china.org.cn
China's Booming New-Style Tea Market: Domestic Success Fuels Global Expansion
China's new-style tea beverage market reached over 350 billion yuan in 2024, expanding rapidly overseas with brands like CHAGEE, HEYTEA, and Mixue opening thousands of international outlets and boosting incomes for farmers cultivating tea and other agricultural products used in these beverages.
- What is the current market value of China's new-style tea beverage market, and what factors contribute to its growth?
- China's new-style tea beverage market thrived in 2024, exceeding 350 billion yuan (about 48.5 billion USD), a 6.4 percent increase year-on-year. This growth is driven by both domestic consumption and a rapid expansion into international markets, particularly Southeast Asia.
- How has the expansion of Chinese new-style tea brands into international markets impacted local economies and employment?
- The success of Chinese tea brands like CHAGEE, HEYTEA, and Mixue reflects changing consumer preferences towards healthier, more aesthetically pleasing drinks. Their international expansion, with over 5,000 overseas outlets by the end of 2024, demonstrates the global appeal of this market.
- What are the long-term implications of the new-style tea beverage trend on China's agricultural sector and traditional tea culture?
- The booming new-style tea market has significantly impacted China's tea industry, boosting demand for raw materials and encouraging farmers to adopt a "three-season harvest" strategy. This has led to increased income for farmers, particularly those in the Longjing tea-producing region of Zhejiang Province, and broadened opportunities for other agricultural products like avocados, matcha, osmanthus, and gardenia.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the rapid growth and international success of Chinese bubble tea brands. Positive quotes from customers and details about sales figures are prominently featured. The headline "Fragrance spreading overseas" and the repeated emphasis on market expansion and economic benefits shape the reader's perception towards a narrative of unmitigated success. This positive framing overshadows potential complexities or challenges.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and celebratory, emphasizing the "rapid expansion", "booming sector", and "soaring demand." While this reflects the overall tone of the piece, the overwhelmingly positive language could be perceived as promotional rather than purely objective reporting. More neutral language could include terms like "significant growth", "expanding market", and "increased demand.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the success of Chinese bubble tea brands expanding internationally, particularly in Southeast Asia. While it mentions the positive economic impact on tea farmers and related industries, it omits potential negative consequences such as environmental impacts of increased tea production, labor practices within the expanding industry, or the displacement of local beverage businesses. The lack of diverse perspectives beyond the success stories could limit readers' understanding of the complete picture.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a largely positive view of the expansion of Chinese bubble tea brands, framing it as a success story with significant economic benefits. It doesn't delve into potential downsides or criticisms, creating a false dichotomy between success and a lack of alternative viewpoints. The narrative implicitly suggests that this expansion is inherently positive without exploring potential complexities or counterarguments.
Sustainable Development Goals
The rise of China's new-style tea beverage industry has created numerous jobs both domestically and internationally. Mixue alone created approximately 12,800 jobs in Indonesia, with over 96 percent of its staff being local. The increased demand for tea leaves has also opened new opportunities for farmers, leading to higher incomes and improved livelihoods. The industry's expansion has stimulated growth in related sectors, such as flower cultivation and tea processing, further boosting employment and economic activity.