This Market Dynamics report features market data extracted from Mintel’s China Tea Drinks Market Report 2025. Giving you direct access to key market information and analysis from our category experts. This report is ideal for those looking for a topline summary of the China tea market. The full report is available to purchase here.
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The market
- Market size and forecast
- After experiencing rapid growth, the RTD tea market is beginning to slow down
- The wellness trend drives the growth of tea bags
- Market segments
- The initial signs of slowed growth in non-herbal tea categories emerge
- Asian herbal tea is under threat from adjacent categories, with diminishing growth
- Market factors
- The willingness to spend on non-alcoholic drinks remains stable, while more are likely to trade up in tea drinks
- Graph 1: consumption of non-alcoholic drinks – bought more expensive products, 2023-24
- Graph 2: budget for non-alcoholic drinks – trading up and down, 2022-25
- The new China food safety standard: a ban on ‘zero additives’
- Graph 3: free-from claims consumers deem important when purchasing drinks*, 2023-25
- Being fundamentally nutritious is back in trend, as consumers focus more on their wellbeing
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Companies and brands
- New product trends
- Minus claims are a must, with growth benefited by sugar-free claims
- Graph 4: top 10 claims in new RTD tea drinks, 2022-25
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The consumer
- The RTD tea category continues to expand, with ‘focus moments’ still being a strong scenario
- The consumption scenario of RTD tea alone is mainly during moments of focus, but it also has potential in leisure settings
- Graph 5: RTD tea beverage consumption scenarios, 2025
- There is development potential for different types of tea bases, but those with high fragrance and intense aftertaste are more popular
- RTD tea is highly associated with other non-tea beverages, with concerns about sugar outweighing the characteristics of the tea itself
- Greater demand for sugar-free products in tea drinks than other drinks
- Tea is perceived as healthier than coffee, with a higher potential for diverse scenarios
- The image of tea as a fatigue reliever is more prominent than as a refreshment, and it presents premium opportunities in business settings
- Graph 6: tea vs coffee – workplace fatigue, 2025
- Graph 7: tea vs coffee – business occasions, 2025
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Issues and insights
- After sugar-free, shed the association with other beverages and return to the traditional tea culture
- Cultural value: create a moment of inner peace with the Zen art of drinking tea
- Graph 8: tea vs coffee – relaxing alone, 2025
- Graph 9: tea vs coffee – an expression of exquisite living, 2025
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Appendix – market size and forecast, research methodology and abbreviations
- Market size and forecast – RTD tea drinks
- Market size and forecast – tea bags
- Market segmentation – Asian RTD herbal tea
- Market segments – RTD tea (excluding Asian herbal tea)
- Methodology
- Abbreviations
About Mintel Market Dynamics
Mintel’s Market Dynamics reports are built from Mintel’s robust market size data. We pair these comprehensive market statistics with unparalleled market intelligence to offer deep insights into the dynamic landscapes of key markets across the world.
Created by our team of expert analysts, Market Dynamics connects the dots between market forecasts, consumer sentiment, and brand innovations to give you the full story of how your market is evolving and what your next move should be.
How can Market Dynamics help your brand?
- Gain immediate strategic clarity with quality market data and forecasts.
- Understand the ‘why’ behind industry trends with world-class human insight.
- Plot your next move with analysis of the competitive landscape and product launch activity.
- Uncover opportunities and unlock your growth potential with analyst recommendations.
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