Heyang, Steve Hatherly, and Yushun discuss the booming market for nutritious drinks in China, particularly among the youth. They highlight the rising popularity of herbal waters and jujube-based beverages, revealing a staggering 350% growth in the past year. The trio also delves into the changing preferences of young consumers, who favor less sugary options that incorporate traditional medicinal ingredients. They wrap up by exploring the cultural significance of lemonade and the shift toward sustainable beverage choices.
China's young consumers are increasingly drawn to healthy herbal waters, reflecting a significant shift towards wellness-focused beverage choices.
The beverage industry's growth is now intertwined with sustainability demands, prompting companies to adopt eco-friendly practices and materials.
Deep dives
Increasing Popularity of Herbal Waters
Herbal waters have gained immense popularity among young consumers in China, with drinks such as red bean water, longan water, and goji berry water leading the trend this summer. These beverages, which traditionally align with Chinese dietary therapy practices, are being embraced by the 18 to 36 age demographic, making up nearly 70% of the market. The market is projected to surpass 10 billion yuan by 2028, highlighting the significant growth potential. This surge showcases a shift in preferences as young people lean towards healthier, naturally infused drinks over sugary beverages.
Shift Towards Health Consciousness
A growing awareness of health among young consumers is influencing their beverage choices, driving demand for drinks that boast health benefits. With an average annual expenditure on health exceeding $1,000, young adults are prioritizing wellness in their daily dietary habits. This trend mirrors global movements where consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives, as seen with the rise of functional beverages. Additionally, the incorporation of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients into drinks reflects a broader cultural shift towards holistic health practices.
Environmental Sustainability as a Market Driver
The beverage industry is experiencing a heightened emphasis on sustainability, with consumers demanding eco-friendly practices and packaging. In response, companies are innovating towards greener solutions, such as reducing sugar content and utilizing biodegradable materials. This trend is not only aimed at health-conscious consumers but also at those who value environmental responsibility, as sustainability in the beverage sector is becoming more prominent. The desire for low-carbon shipping and sustainable production methods is reshaping the market dynamics, contributing to a robust growth trajectory in beverage retail.
Cool down and drink up! Discover why China's young crowd is hooked on healthy herbal waters this summer, and get caught up on other beverage market trends. On the show: Heyang, Steve Hatherly & Yushun
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode