Recently, Shuyi Tealicious has faced a backlog of unsold second-hand equipment due to mass store closures, with recyclers even disposing of machines worth tens of thousands of yuan at scrap metal prices. This tea beverage brand, once wildly popular for its "half a cup is all toppings" slogan, has seen its store count shrink by over a thousand compared to its peak after undergoing price reduction strategies and adjustments to franchise thresholds. Meanwhile, the entire new tea beverage sector is facing a reshuffle, with approximately 120,000 stores disappearing in the past year. This article reviews the rise and fall of Shuyi Tealicious, the plight of its franchisees, and the chain reactions of the industry's closure wave, while maintaining Front Street Coffee's ongoing attention to industry dynamics. [more…]

Following the case of Shuyi Burning Grass Jelly, the Shanghai Consumer Council on March 13 once again turned its attention to the internet-famous tea beverage brand More Yogurt, focusing on the ingredient composition of its "Mango Yogurt Smoothie." Testing by the Consumer Council found that the drink contained only a small amount of yogurt yet had unusually high fat content, and despite being labeled as having no added sugar, sucrose and maltose were still detected. The Consumer Council questioned the source of this excess fat and sugar and demanded that More Yogurt explain to consumers "what was added." The incident quickly sparked widespread discussion and trended on Weibo. This article sorts through the testing data and science popularization information released by the Consumer Council to present the full picture of the incident. For readers interested in coffee and beverage industry trends, Front Street Coffee also continues to follow such food safety topics and advocates transparent consumption. [more…]

Ordering a milk tea now, pudding, pearls, and grass jelly are already standard options. Thirty years ago, the earliest milk teas were far less elaborate. Starting from 1987, when Taiwan's Chun Shui Tang dropped tapioca pearls into milk tea, the matter of adding toppings has gone through a long process of being banned, recombined, cross-industry experimentation, and a rotating lineup of niche fruits. CoCo都可 combined pearls, pudding, and grass jelly into one drink, giving rise to the now-familiar "Milk Tea Three Brothers." Nowadays the direction of toppings has shifted again—lemon tea is actually more popular without toppings, and new faces like Yashixiang, bergamot, turmeric, and peach gum have appeared one after another. This piece reviews the key milestones in milk tea toppings and also shares some observations from Front Street Coffee on current tea beverage trends. [more…]

The milk tea industry has recently exposed yet another labor abuse scandal. A Shuyi Tealicious store in Changsha was fined 10,000 yuan by the local Human Resources and Social Security Bureau for hiring a child worker who was only 13 years old. The incident came to light after a citizen report, and an investigation found that the child had worked at the store for several months before being fired, which then led to a dispute. The store owner involved argued that the child claimed to be over 15 years old and that they only agreed to hire the child because they were short-staffed. This case not only highlights loopholes in employment management at some food and beverage outlets, but also sparked public discussion about the protection of minors and the enforcement of labor laws. [more…]

This summer, after brands like Luckin and Manner rolled out matcha drinks one after another, Starbucks also jumped on the trend and launched a Matcha Frozen Mountain series, including a latte, a tea latte, and a Frappuccino. In official promotions, the tea latte is described as featuring a matcha jelly base, paired with mountain-style milk and a blueberry powder cloud milk cap, blending the imagery of blue skies, white clouds, and green meadows into a single cup and successfully winning over looks-focused fans. However, after the product launched, many consumers on social platforms reported that the drink was too sweet and had a strange grassy scent, with some describing it as "sugared grass" or a "weakened version of Iced Matcha," and some discarded it after taking a photo and only a sip. At the same time, Starbucks employees also frequently made mistakes because the names of the latte and the tea latte were too similar, leading to an increase in complaints. This article will sort out the market reaction and the main points of controversy surrounding this new product. [more…]

Sumatran Arabica coffee is collectively known as Mandheling, but the flavor differences between its two major lake regions—Lake Toba and Lake Tawar—are worth exploring in depth. Lake Toba has a low, muted aroma, even carrying notes of grass jelly, while Lake Tawar displays brighter fruit acidity along with flavors reminiscent of incense cedar and wood. The two are separated by more than three hundred kilometers, and their cultivation histories differ by at least thirty-six years. This article focuses on the Takengon Mandheling G1 produced in the Gayo highlands by Lake Tawar, tracing its full journey from introduction during the colonial period to its unique wet-hulling process, and analyzing why this bean presents a complex flavor profile of caramel, spice, pine, and dark chocolate. It also introduces the product characteristics and suitable brewing methods of Front Street Mandheling G1 and Front Street PWN Golden Mandheling, providing coffee enthusiasts with a reference for purchasing and tasting. [more…]

After Singapore implemented a sugar restriction order for beverages late last year, it has recently upgraded its control measures again, extending the Nutri-Grade labeling system to all freshly prepared drinks. From freshly brewed coffee and milk tea to fresh juices, even toppings like pearls and coconut jelly must now be labeled with their sugar content. Brands such as Starbucks, KOI Thé, and Ya Kun have gradually updated their menus, and Luckin's Coconut Latte has been classified as Grade D due to its high sugar and fat content. How exactly does this ABCD grading system work? What impact does it have on lattes and black coffee, which coffee lovers often drink? This article will outline the details of the new regulations and market reactions, and include purchasing advice from Front Street Coffee. [more…]

Since opening China's first post office café on February 14 this year, China Post has officially entered the coffee market as a national team player. Amid an enthusiastic consumer response, the country's second post office café opened on Cat Street in Xiamen. The new store blends in with the local character of Cat Street, creating a space for cat lovers to mingle, and has partnered with oat milk brand OATLY to launch a hidden-menu eco-friendly special. At the same time, OATLY put in a strong performance in the Asian market in the first quarter, with its Barista product contributing significantly, and the brand is accelerating its expansion into diverse categories such as new-style tea drinks and plant-based ice cream. [more…]

The two major producing regions of Sumatra, Lake Toba and Lake Tawar, give rise to the famous "Two Lakes, Two Mandhelings" Mandheling. The former has a low, muted flavor with a grassy jelly herb note, while the latter has bright fruity acidity and a woody aroma. The origin of Mandheling can be traced back to the late 17th century during the Dutch colonial period. After coffee leaf rust, disease-resistant varieties such as Tim Tim and Catimor gradually became the mainstay, and the wet-hulled process further gave the coffee its unique herbal and spice notes. This article will guide you through the definition of "Two Lakes, Two Mandhelings," the history of Sumatran coffee, the wet-hulled process, and the regional background and pour-over recommendations for Front Street Coffee PWN Golden Mandheling. [more…]

Many coffee enthusiasts, upon their first taste of Mandheling, are struck by its intense, bittersweet impression, yet upon a more careful second tasting, they might detect a faint hint of acidity. This seems to contradict the inherent perception that Mandheling equals bitterness. In fact, looking at the green beans themselves, Mandheling's acidity is not low; the expression of sourness is closely related to the roasting level, processing method, and brewing parameters. This article, from the perspective of Front Street Coffee, will sort out the origin of the name Mandheling, Indonesia's unique wet-hulling process, the impact of roast level on flavor, and focus on brewing suggestions for PWN Golden Mandheling, helping you understand what Mandheling should really taste like. [more…]

Recently, a university student looking for a part-time job at a milk tea shop was stunned by the hourly wage of 8 yuan, only to be retorted at as "scrap" by the recruiter, an incident that quickly sparked heated discussion online. After the job seeker turned the chat records into a video and posted it, netizens engaged in fierce debate over the understanding of dialect slang, the issue of respect from the recruiter, and part-time wage standards. Employees of the shop involved have apologized, and the brand Shuyi Tealicious also responded, stating that the shop has been closed for handling and promising that follow-up negotiations will be held to rectify wage management for franchisees. The part-time ecosystem behind a cup of milk tea deserves the attention of every coffee lover and job seeker. [more…]

These days, walking into any beverage shop, the variety on the menu is always dazzling. Boba shops are selling porridge, cafes surprisingly offer lemon tea, and industry competition has long entered a white-hot stage. More noteworthy is that the boundary between coffee and milk tea is being continuously broken: oats, fermented rice, thick milk, and osmanthus are all being added to coffee, the traditional bitter taste is weakened, and the flavor is moving closer to milk tea. A science blogger on Weibo once organized a blind test, asking participants to distinguish between coffee and milk tea with similar flavors, and surprisingly nearly half of the people could not accurately tell them apart. Coffee's localization and youth-oriented strategies, the migration of childhood milk tea memories, and various novelty pairings have jointly driven this trend. This article takes you to explore the phenomenon of coffee becoming more like milk tea and the logic behind it. [more…]

Milk tea brands are shouting about price cuts while charging separately for toppings, delivery fees, and insulated bags—is that cup in consumers' hands really cheaper? This article starts with the ordering experience on Heytea's GO mini-program, breaking down the actual unit price of a 9-yuan Pure Green Tea after adding toppings, delivery fees, and other extra charges, and, in light of tea shop density, delivery efficiency, and the industry's cost structure, analyzes how this round of price cuts looks more like a marketing move than a genuine giveback. It also cites estimates from a researcher at the Guangdong Tea Beverage Industry Committee on the costs and gross margins of high-end milk tea, helping coffee and tea enthusiasts see the ledger behind the price. [more…]

Milk tea toppings are getting more and more elaborate, and some people even just want the toppings without the tea base. Recently, a "low-cost Heytea" hack has been trending on social platforms: spend 2 yuan on a portion of brown sugar boba, pair it with a bottle of fresh milk, shake it a few times, and you've got a mini version of brown sugar pearl milk. It's said that bringing your own cup saves even more—3 yuan gets you two portions of toppings. But does this DIY version actually taste good? How big is the gap compared with the original from the store? This article walks you through netizens' hands-on test experiences and ordering phrases, and takes a look at the consumer psychology behind the involution of milk tea toppings. [more…]

Recently, several tea beverage brands—including Heytea, Nayuki, ChaPanda, Good Tea, Mixue Bingcheng, and Shuyi Tealicious—were reported to have jointly adjusted their full-reduction strategies on food delivery platforms. The original full-reduction discounts have been uniformly changed to 1 off 50, 1 off 70, or even canceled outright. Once the news broke, related topics quickly trended on social media, with views exceeding 180 million. Merchants say profits are thin, while netizens question why milk tea, which isn't cheap, still isn't making money. Behind this controversy lie both the pressure of platform commissions and delivery costs, and a reflection of the difficult position of the new tea beverage industry, caught between price cuts and losses. [more…]

To open a coffee shop or replenish your home supply of everyday beans, finding a stable and reliable wholesale channel is key. Guangzhou's long-established Front Street Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee) keeps over 50 single-origin beans in stock offline, spanning many well-known producing regions and estates across Africa, the Americas, and Asia, so you can find a suitable choice whether for pour-over, espresso, French press, moka pot, or cold brew. This article compiles Front Street Coffee's latest single-origin coffee bean list and green/roasted bean wholesale price report, covering popular beans such as Yirgacheffe, Sidamo, Mandheling, Blue Mountain, and Hacienda La Esmeralda, with grades, processing methods, roast levels, and flavor descriptions attached, making it convenient for roasters and cafes to purchase as needed. For commercial use in opening a shop, Front Street Classic Blend is recommended, a combination of three producing regions—Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam—with a medium-dark roast bringing a mellow mouthfeel and rich oils, equally suitable as everyday beans for home use. [more…]

In recent years, mainland new-style tea beverage brands have been rushing into Hong Kong one after another, with Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, Heytea, Nayuki, and Shuyi Tealicious having already established a presence. On September 28, Chagee, positioned as a mid-to-high-end brand, opened its first store in Hong Kong at K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, right next to Nayuki and Heytea. On opening day, they invited Charmaine Sheh to make an appearance and rolled out promotions like buy-one-get-one-free, attracting long queues of customers with wait times reaching three to five hours. This article sorts through key information including store design, product pricing, promotional activities, and market prospects to give you a quick look at this Hong Kong tea beverage frenzy. [more…]

Every June, the national college entrance examination, or gaokao, becomes a hot topic of public attention across the country. This year is no exception, with a flood of good wishes pouring in from trending lists to social media platforms. Major food and beverage brands keenly seize this opportunity, rolling out gaokao-themed products or promotional activities in an attempt to win consumer goodwill amid fierce market competition. McDonald's has extended its breakfast-exclusive items to all-day availability, KFC has partnered with Mount Wutai to launch an auspicious set meal, and Chagee uses homophonic puns to convey good wishes. In addition, tea beverage brands such as Shuyi Tealicious, Good me, and Yihotang have also switched to gaokao-themed packaging, while independent coffee shops across the country are likewise serving exam takers and their parents by offering free water and rest areas. Behind this opportunistic marketing lies both the need for brand exposure and a reflection of society's collective care for gaokao students. [more…]

In the coffee landscape of Asia, islands such as Sumatra and Java in the Malay Archipelago occupy an important position, and the Mandheling produced in Sumatra is even more renowned. This article will focus on Front Street Coffee's Indonesia Lintong Mandheling, breaking it down one by one from country, grade, region, processing method, and altitude to flavor, and comparing the similarities and differences between Lake Toba and Lake Tawar, the "Two Lakes, Two Mandhelings," while introducing the more premium Front Street Coffee PWN Golden Mandheling. At the same time, a detailed pour-over recipe is provided, including coffee dose, grind size, dripper, water temperature, pouring rhythm, and extraction time, along with the interesting story of how the name Mandheling accidentally spread during World War II. [more…]

When it comes to Sumatra Mandheling from Indonesia, many coffee lovers are no strangers to it. The Golden Mandheling G1 washed beans produced by PWN are especially one of the most representative specialty coffees in the Mandheling family. This article centers on this bean, starting with a comparison between Front Street Golden Mandheling and Front Street Mandheling G1, discussing the differences in taste and the breadth of roasting flexibility, then extending to the stylistic differences between Mandheling from Sumatra's two major lake regions—Lake Toba and Lake Tawar—and finally sorting out the naming logic of Mandheling and the origin of PWN Golden Mandheling. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or a seasoned player who wants to understand Mandheling grading and flavor in greater depth, you will find useful references here. [more…]