Second boom for Chinese tea drinks simmers along

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01:37

China's beloved beverage – bubble milk tea, has won worldwide popularity, and now Chinese tea-related drinks are welcoming a second boom.

"This kind of tea is not expensive, even with lots of toppings. It's made of both fruit and tea. Personally, I think drinking tea is better than coffee. It's healthier," said a customer at Naixue Tea Shop, one of the popular brands.

The new popular combo is made of fresh fruit, sugar, and tea, which will help satisfy your sweet tooth. Many say it will help to reintroduce Chinese tea culture back into the beverage business.

With that, Chinese tea drink market is now worth millions of yuan.

The brand "HEYTEA" recently became a sensation among Chinese netizens. It sold nearly 30,000 drinks in just one month, surpassing Starbucks to take over the number one spot.

Tea shop brand "HEYTEA" received 400 million yuan in the second round of its funding in April 2018. /VCG Photo

"HEYTEA" finished its second round of funding in April, securing 400 million yuan, while another brand Naixue Tea Shop got 300 million yuan in its first round of funding around the same time.

"All our shops are earning a profit. Sales can reach two to three thousand cups per shop," said Xiao Shuqin, the director of public relations at "HEYTEA."

Brands have turned their attention from just sales to product design and user experiences. The manager said that the overall experience they offer from branding to the creativity of the product is what captures loyal customers and sells one more cup of their tea.

"Our tea is not just a cup of tea. We are introducing a new tea culture to our consumers," said Xiao.

Tea shops are now providing more customized options to boost the desire for the drinks. The surging demand has inspired suppliers to upgrade their menus to tap into the trend.

"You can choose the amount of sugar and decide whether you want it hot or cold," said a fan of the customized options many tea brands provide.