Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee - China

The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee market in China has been experiencing significant growth in recent years.

Customer preferences: Chinese consumers have shown a growing interest in convenience and on-the-go products, which has contributed to the rise in popularity of RTD coffee. The busy lifestyles of urban consumers, coupled with the desire for a quick and refreshing beverage, have driven the demand for ready-to-drink options. Additionally, there is a growing awareness and appreciation for Western-style coffee culture in China, with consumers seeking out new and innovative coffee products.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the RTD coffee market in China is the increasing availability and variety of products. Domestic and international companies have been introducing a wide range of RTD coffee options to cater to different consumer preferences. This includes various flavors, strengths, and packaging formats. Furthermore, there has been a growing emphasis on healthier and more natural ingredients, with companies incorporating functional ingredients such as plant-based milk alternatives and natural sweeteners. Another trend in the market is the rise of e-commerce and online platforms as a popular distribution channel for RTD coffee. Chinese consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping for their beverage needs, as it offers convenience, a wide selection, and competitive pricing. This shift towards e-commerce has allowed smaller and niche brands to enter the market and gain visibility, further diversifying the options available to consumers.

Local special circumstances: China has a strong tea-drinking culture, which has traditionally dominated the beverage market. However, the growing popularity of coffee, including RTD coffee, is challenging the dominance of tea. While tea remains deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, the younger generation is more open to exploring different beverages, including coffee. This generational shift in preferences, combined with the influence of Western coffee culture, has created a favorable environment for the growth of the RTD coffee market in China.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: China's rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes have played a significant role in the development of the RTD coffee market. As more people move to cities and experience a higher standard of living, there is an increased demand for convenient and premium products, including RTD coffee. Additionally, the expanding middle class in China has become more aspirational and willing to spend on lifestyle products, driving the growth of the RTD coffee market. In conclusion, the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee market in China is experiencing growth due to changing consumer preferences, the introduction of new and innovative products, the rise of e-commerce, the influence of Western coffee culture, and favorable macroeconomic factors such as urbanization and rising disposable incomes. As the market continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further expansion and diversification in the RTD coffee offerings available to Chinese consumers.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. The at-home market covers retail sales via super- and hypermarkets, eCommerce, convenience stores, or similar sales channels. The out-of-home data encompasses all sales to hotels, restaurants, catering, cafés, bars, and similar hospitality service establishments. Combined numbers encompass both the at-home market and the out-of-home market. Both the at-home and the out-of-home market are valued at retail selling prices including all sales and consumption taxes.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a Top-Down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending (e.g. consumer spending on Non-Alcoholic Drinks, consumer spending at Hotels, Restaurants etc.), and price level index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Non-Alcoholic Drinks market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.