BEIJING: Sun Xu, 29, who works for an internet-based company in Beijing, is acutely aware of the pitfalls of regularly consuming not-so-healthy takeout food, but her hectic schedule, stiff deadlines and ever-increasing job responsibilities leave her with limited alternatives.
While the exact impact of these beverages on people’s health may elude precise measurement, consumers’ willingness to patronize such products underscores a broader shift toward prioritizing ingredients and formulations perceived as healthier, analysts said. As the competition in the sugar-free tea market intensifies, numerous brands are shifting their focus toward meeting consumer demand for healthier alternatives, giving rise to a new category of beverages that embody the essence of Chinese wellness, Zhu said.
The Qianzhan report has also shed light on the primary reasons driving consumer purchases of Chinese wellness waters, with the top factors identified as weight loss and dampness removal, blood nourishment effects, sugar-free health benefits and clean ingredient lists. The inception of Chinese wellness waters can be traced back to the pioneering efforts of the Keyang Beverage Co, which first introduced red bean water in 2018. Despite being an early entrant into the market, the brand had faced lukewarm reception and feedback from distribution channels.
By May 2024, over 15 new brands had ventured into the Chinese wellness water market, signaling a surge in competition and innovation. Notably, Chi Forest has emerged as the front-runner in this competitive arena, commanding 58 per cent of the market share, according to the Qianzhan report. The growing popularity of Chinese wellness waters in the beverage industry reflects a broader trend toward health-conscious consumption, analysts said.