Sunday, September 20 2026

Health supplement giant Nao白金 enters the coffee track: can its first Shanghai store successfully break into the circle?

Having been active on television screens for over twenty years, the health supplement brand Naobaijin has officially extended its reach into the coffee sector. Its first coffee shop opened on November 7 in Songjiang District, Shanghai, under the youthful sub-brand "Naobaijin+Café." The store not only continues the brand's signature blue visual identity and classic IP image, but also offers coffee, tea drinks, smoothies, and other beverage categories at affordable prices. In recent years, giants across various industries have ventured into the coffee business, from China Post to Li-Ning, Huawei, and NIO—coffee has become a popular choice for cross-industry expansion. Is Naobaijin's entry a path to rejuvenate its brand, or can it carve out a share in the fiercely competitive coffee market? This article will outline the features of Naobaijin's coffee shop and the industry trends in cross-industry coffee ventures. [more…]

Shanghai Post Office Coffee Shop Opening Review: The Transformation Logic of China Post's Cross-Industry Move into Milk Tea and Coffee

Following the buzz generated by China Post opening a milk tea shop, Shanghai has now seen its first post office selling coffee. On September 17, the Tianping Road Post Office at 1883 Middle Huaihai Road was transformed into the Wukang Building-themed post office. While retaining its original postal services, it has introduced a café, a photo-op area, and a cultural and creative display zone, in collaboration with Qiao Coffee under the century-old Shanghai time-honored brand Qiaojiashan. Is the coffee at this post office actually good? Why does China Post frequently cross into the beverage sector? This article will analyze the details of the store renovation, the background of the partner brand, and the history of China Post's cross-industry ventures, and explore the underlying logic of time-honored brands seeking rejuvenation. [more…]

Does Brain Gold Coffee really contain oral liquid? What's the story behind this new product?

Naobaijin has once again made its presence felt in the coffee world. This time, it's not just a simple co-branded paper cup—they've actually added Naobaijin oral liquid to the coffee. On November 10, Naobaijin officially announced on Xiaohongshu the launch of a special coffee containing Naobaijin ingredients, which would be sold in limited quantities at a pop-up store on Double Eleven. As soon as the news broke, netizens were both curious and confused: Naobaijin is known for aiding sleep, while coffee is for waking up—what kind of combination is that? The official response stated that what was added was Naobaijin oral liquid, which has a bowel-lubricating and laxative function, not the sleep-aid capsules, and that the amount used per cup had been scientifically calibrated to avoid any functional conflict. So, how does this coffee taste? And what has Naobaijin's journey in the coffee arena been like? Let's take a look. [more…]

How to Raise Coffee Seedlings and Establish a Plantation? A Systematic Cultivation Guide from Propagation and Planting to Pruning and Fertilization

The flavor foundation of a good cup of coffee is laid the moment the seed touches the soil. This article systematically outlines the complete technical chain of coffee from seedling propagation to plantation management: seed collection and washing in seed propagation, nursery establishment, germination acceleration and transplanting, and seedling-stage care; the key operational points of cutting and grafting in asexual propagation; and then extends to coffee plantation site selection and planning, land clearing and field planting, shade tree configuration, single-stem and multi-stem training and pruning techniques, as well as soil management measures such as weeding and mulching, deep plowing and soil improvement, and irrigation and fertilization. For enthusiasts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the logic of coffee cultivation and build a systematic awareness from origin to cup, this is a solid technical reference. The variety terminology and operational standards involved in the [more…]

Which brand is reliable when joining a coffee shop franchise? How much does the initial investment actually cost?

In the past year or two, the popularity of coffee entrepreneurship has continued to rise, and many office workers have begun to entertain the idea of opening a shop and becoming their own boss. A coffee shop that seems to have low barriers to entry, requires little investment, and has an artistic atmosphere has become the ideal project in many people's minds. But when they actually start, they discover that they have no idea where to begin, from site selection to promotion, so franchise chains have become a popular option. Advertisements promising "zero threshold" and "easy to be your own boss" are everywhere, but is the reality really that rosy? This article sorts out the main models of coffee franchising today, helps you calculate the upfront investment clearly, and gives the key points to note when choosing a franchise brand, in the hope of offering some reference for those who are still hesitating. [more…]

Coconut Palm brand coconut milk collaborates with Luckin Coffee for the first time in 34 years — what sparks fly when a beloved heritage brand meets the coconut latte craze?

National drink Coconut Palm Coconut Juice breaks its 34-year tradition of "no collaboration with outside parties" for the first time, launching a dream crossover with Luckin Coffee. One is a time-honored coconut juice brand whose formula and packaging have remained unchanged for decades, while the other is a chain coffee brand that sparked the coconut latte craze. This collaboration is both driven by market trends and an attempt by an old brand to seek a new wave of attention. The co-branded cup sleeves continue Coconut Palm's iconic color-block layout style. Although the new products will not officially launch until April 11, some stores have already begun using the co-branded cup sleeves for预热. Can this collaboration replicate the sales miracle of the coconut line? And why did Coconut Palm Coconut Juice choose to "break out of its circle" at this moment? This article will take you through the development history of Coconut Palm and analyze the background and highlights of this collaboration. [more…]

2025 Top Ten Pure Black Coffee Brands Reviewed: Which Brand of Black Coffee Is More Worth Buying

For busy white-collar workers, brewing a cup of coffee by hand is often unrealistic, so three-in-one instant products have become a daily choice for many. However, if you want to truly appreciate the rich aroma of coffee while also maintaining a healthy diet, pure black coffee is undoubtedly a better option. Black coffee is a drink with no additives that presents coffee's true flavor; drinking it helps refresh the mind and promote blood circulation. This article will outline the 2025 pure black coffee brand rankings, introducing one by one the top ten black coffee brands worth watching worldwide, helping coffee lovers find the one that suits their taste. [more…]

2025 Pure Black Coffee Brand Ranking: Which Brand of Black Coffee Tastes More Outstanding?

For busy professionals, the time investment required for freshly ground pour-over coffee often feels prohibitive, making three-in-one instant coffee a daily choice for many. However, if you want to truly savor the rich layers of the coffee bean itself while also embracing a healthy diet philosophy, pure black coffee with no sugar or milk is undoubtedly a direction worth exploring. Black coffee preserves the most authentic flavors of coffee and, after drinking, helps sharpen the mind and promote circulation. With such a dazzling array of brands on the market, which black coffees are actually worth trying? Next, Front Street Coffee will put together a ranking of pure black coffee brands based on this year's latest market performance, introducing each brand's characteristics and origin information one by one, making it easy for coffee lovers to choose according to their needs. [more…]

Tea Yan Yue Se launches another lemon tea sub-brand Good Mo Ning, sparking heated discussion over redemption queues and menu design

Sexy Tea has once again laid out a segmented track, with its brand-new sub-brand Good Lemon opening five stores in Changsha in one go on September 19. Similar to the main brand, Good Lemon does not have independent stores, but is embedded in Sexy Tea's large stores with partitioned operations, leveraging the parent brand's foot traffic to quickly attract check-in crowds. This is not Sexy Tea's first time incubating a side brand; from the early Zhihu Tea to the 2022 Yuanyang Coffee, its multi-brand strategy has been ongoing for many years. The lemon tea market has strong growth momentum, with a Meituan report showing sales in 2022 increased by over 130% year-on-year. Good Lemon clearly aims to grab a share of this pie, with plans to open 15 to 20 stores in Changsha within the year. However, the new brand has barely made its debut when it encountered consumer complaints, with the core controversy still centered on Sexy Tea's signature verification queue model and menu names that are too free-form, making ordering difficult. [more…]

After the % Arabica Philippines partnership fell apart: former franchisee launches local brand Angkan Coffee and takes over the original store locations

Major changes have occurred in %Arabica's partnership in the Philippine market. The brand announced via Facebook that it has terminated its partnership with its former Philippine partner Allue Hortaleza and has found a new agency company, with new stores expected to open within the year. Allue Hortaleza subsequently confirmed the news on social media and launched the local Philippine coffee brand Angkan Coffee on February 10. Since the original %Arabica store locations belong to it, the new brand will open directly at the original sites. Angkan Coffee draws somewhat on %Arabica in its business philosophy and brand aesthetics, while emphasizing the sourcing of local Philippine coffee beans and the integration of local aesthetics and hospitality. Allue Hortaleza insists that the two are not the same and believes the new brand will influence %Arabica's future restart in the Philippines. This article sorts out the course of events and the brand details. [more…]

Nayuki Tea Fully Launches Brand VI Upgrade: Chinese Identity Sheds Japanese-Style Elements, New Spelling "NAIXUE" Goes Nationwide

Nayuki Tea recently quietly changed its store signage at a new outlet in Nanning, Guangxi, with the original "奈雪の茶" becoming "奈雪的茶," and the English logo also changing from NAYUKI to the pinyin NAIXUE. The company officially responded that this is an upgrade move for the brand's seventh anniversary and will be rolled out gradually nationwide. This new tea beverage brand, founded in Shenzhen in 2015 and listed in Hong Kong in 2021, is turning a new page in its eight-year brand history through a visual rebranding that removes Japanese-style elements. Since June this year, its parent company has intensively applied for multiple NAIXUE trademarks, and the signage replacement work at nearly a thousand directly operated stores nationwide has already begun. [more…]

Russian version of Starbucks launches new brand STARS COFFEE, reappearing in Moscow on August 18

After Starbucks exited the Russian market, its assets were acquired by a local company and rebranded. On August 17, 2022, rapper Timur Yunusov revealed the new name "STARS COFFEE" and its logo on Instagram, and the official website went live simultaneously. The new brand replaced the mermaid logo with a girl wearing traditional Russian headwear, and officially opened in Moscow on August 18, with all 120 stores planned to resume operations by the end of September. The new stores no longer write cup names by hand, switching to thermal printing, and food has also become pre-made and heated. Marketing experts pointed out that the new owners are striving to maintain continuity between the old and new brands, but the effectiveness of the rebranding still needs to be tested by the market. Russian netizens have been discussing it extensively. [more…]

Copycat Luckin Coffee Emerges in Many Places: Is Xingmao Coffee Franchise Trustworthy?

Recently, a knockoff brand highly similar to Luckin Coffee has been appearing in multiple cities — Lucky Cat Coffee (LUCKY CAT COFFEE). The brand is extremely close to Luckin in visual design, store decoration, and even staff attire, sparking heated discussion among netizens. Lucky Cat Coffee has been springing up across the country since April this year, and many consumers mistakenly believed it was a rebranding or sub-brand of Luckin. Although Luckin has officially responded, discussions about whether Lucky Cat Coffee is legitimate and whether it can be franchised continue. This article will sort out the sequence of events and remind entrepreneurs to be cautious when choosing a franchise brand, so as to avoid losses caused by an unstable brand foundation. [more…]

NOWWA Coffee Franchisees Voice Collective Frustration: Brand Support Missing, Operations Restricted, Stores in Trouble

Recently, multiple NOWWA Coffee franchisees have spoken out on social media, exposing various instances of inaction and unreasonable restrictions by the brand in store operations. From the lack of promotional support in the early stages of opening, to forced inventory allocation, blocked relocations, and products whose flavors are not accepted by consumers, franchisees have expressed regret and helplessness. At the same time, some consumers have also raised doubts about the brand, believing it is difficult for it to compete with chain brands such as Luckin and Cotti. This article will synthesize feedback from franchisees and netizens to sort out the trust and operational crisis currently facing NOWWA Coffee, providing reference for readers interested in coffee franchising. [more…]

Privacy Controversy and Brand Trust Coexist: An Analysis of Tim Hortons' Two-Sided Image in Canada

Tim Hortons, as Canada's national coffee brand, is deeply loved for its Double Double and donuts, and was even rated by Morning Consult as the most trusted brand among Canadians, surpassing McDonald's and Starbucks. However, the brand has recently become embroiled in a privacy controversy due to its app illegally collecting users' location information, along with controversy over mandatory vaccinations at camp activities. Nevertheless, analysts point out that consumer trust has not yet shown a noticeable decline. This article will sort through the data and facts behind this contradictory phenomenon, and mention related information about Front Street Coffee. [more…]

A Comprehensive Review of Manner Coffee's Cross-Industry Collaborations: From Tesla to LV, the Market Logic Behind Brand Partnerships

Manner Coffee has once again drawn attention, this time by teaming up with Tesla for a co-branded campaign. As a recognized master of collaborations in the coffee world, Manner's cross-industry footprint has already covered automobiles, luxury goods, beauty, sports, and many other sectors. From NIO to LV, from Helena Rubinstein to Allbirds, each partnership has precisely captured the brand tone, creating a win-win of both buzz and sales. This article will review Manner's major co-branding cases over the years, analyze the brand strategy and consumer psychology behind its success, and include professional information recommendations from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Nayuki store rebranding to "Naisnow Nayuki" sparks heated discussion, with the brand's multiple name changes and overseas expansion speculation becoming the focus.

The NAIXUE store in Bao'an Uniwalk, Shenzhen, debuted as the "second NAIXUE Tea · green light drinks and light meals store nationwide," but customers noticed that the wording on the light sign had changed from "by NAIXUE" to "by Naisnow NAIXUE." On social platforms, some netizens also shared that two stores had adopted the "Naisnow NAIXUE" name and a new snowflake-shaped logo, sparking widespread discussion. NAIXUE was originally called "Nayuki," but because it was often mistaken for a Japanese brand, it gradually changed to "NAIXUE" in 2023. Tianyancha shows that its parent company submitted 8 trademark applications in March this year, including "Naisnow NAIXUE." Netizens have mixed opinions on the new name. Some speculate that it is paving the way for overseas expansion, while others think it is neither Chinese nor Western, hard to remember and hard to pronounce. The new logo has also been said to resemble a biotech company or a software icon. Whether frequent brand name changes affect brand awareness has become a point of concern. [more…]

Heytea's brand logo has quietly updated once again, sparking heated discussion among netizens about the subtle tweaks and the brand's intentions.

Heytea has recently made another subtle adjustment to its brand logo, just over three months after the last logo change, sparking widespread discussion on social media platforms. Many netizens, when faced with side-by-side comparisons of the old and new versions, exclaimed that they could see no difference, while sharp-eyed users listed the细微 changes in the ears, face shape, bangs, and facial features one by one, jokingly calling the Heytea boy's "medical aesthetic微调". From the golden line figure to the return of the classic "black-haired A-xi," and now to the current detail adjustments, the intention behind Heytea's frequent logo changes has sparked much speculation: Is it a statement of returning to its original aspirations, or an optimization to cater to current aesthetics, or simply a carefully planned brand hype marketing? [more…]

Lavazza stores in Changsha have closed one after another, and the century-old Italian brand may completely withdraw from the local market.

Recently, multiple consumers in Changsha have posted on social media claiming that Lavazza's Wankuntu store and Kaideyi store in Changsha will successively cease operations on January 8 and 9, 2026, and some local users have revealed that the brand will completely withdraw from the Changsha market soon. This century-old Italian coffee brand, once known as the "godfather of Italian coffee," opened its first store in Central China at Orange Isle Park in late 2021, creating quite a sensation at the time, and subsequently set up 5 stores in downtown Changsha. However, the first store quietly closed just one year after opening, and the Xingcheng Tiandi store also ceased operations at the end of March 2025. Now the remaining stores have also been reported to be closing. Long-time users have differing views on the brand's operational capabilities, product value for money, and market prospects. Some express regret, while others believe that adjusting the layout is a normal business decision. [more…]

How to Choose an Imported Coffee Bean Brand? A Comprehensive Analysis of illy, Starbucks, Lavazza, and the Domestic Brand Front Street Coffee

When domestic coffee brands had yet to form a unified landscape, imported coffee beans still firmly held most of the market share. Faced with a dazzling array of brands, consumers often don't know where to start. This article does not discuss coffee bean varieties, nor does it cover instant coffee, but instead focuses on several of the most common excellent coffee bean and ground coffee brands in China, introducing their characteristics and positioning one by one. From Italy's national treasure brand illy, to global chain giant Starbucks, to Lavazza, known for its freshness-preserving technology, and to the highly recommended domestic Front Street Coffee, this will help you more clearly understand the tiers and advantages of these brands. [more…]