Luckin Coffee recently launched a co-branded campaign with the China Open, only to unexpectedly get caught up in a plagiarism controversy. An original designer posted on social media, accusing Luckin's co-branded phone case stand of being highly similar to their own work from last year, with details from the color scheme and the tennis-spin concept to the font on the base being almost identical. Meanwhile, another sports brand also discovered that its promotional image for a tennis pillow was strikingly similar to Luckin's merchandise, and after comparison, netizens pointed out that the tag position, plush texture, and even the stitching were exactly the same. As the incident continued to escalate, a wave of questioning flooded Luckin's official comment section, but as of press time the brand had yet to respond. This is not the first time Luckin has faced such accusations, and this controversy has dealt a blow to its co-branded marketing image. [more…]

After collaborating with actor Daniel Wu to promote coffee products in late June, Guming Tea recently rolled out packaging bags featuring his image at stores nationwide, which unexpectedly sparked widespread dissatisfaction among consumers. Many customers complained on social media that the bag design was "not aesthetically pleasing" and that the celebrity's portrait was too large, saying carrying it felt like "health supplements for middle-aged and elderly people" or "soaking goji berries," and some even said they wanted to throw it away as soon as they received it. Some netizens argued that although Daniel Wu has high national recognition, he is no longer young and does not fit the positioning of a youthful tea beverage brand; others pointed out that the brand should consider scenarios for secondary use of the packaging. On September 23, Guming staff responded that they had not received related complaints, but would record opinions on the design and spokesperson and pass them on for evaluation. The incident reflects the tension between co-branded packaging and the aesthetics of young consumers. [more…]

Recently, the store introductions on Molly Tea's official mini-program suddenly went viral, not because of a promotional campaign, but because some stores had rewritten what were originally straightforward contact details into abstract literature in wildly different styles. From old-school domineering CEO style to elegant classical prose, and even rebirth-and-revenge storylines, these uniquely styled copywriting prompted netizens to open the mini-program and see for themselves. Some found it amusing, while others worried about damage to the brand image. So how effective is this marketing phenomenon, sparked by staff spontaneously getting creative? Let's take a closer look. [more…]

Recently, Chagee sparked boycotts among netizens in Vietnam and Malaysia successively due to a background image in its app that included the nine-dash line map. Vietnam not only removed the app from its platforms but also dismantled the signboard of the first store in Ho Chi Minh City; after Malaysian netizens discovered the same issue, they too joined the chorus of criticism. Although the brand has deleted the controversial image, the public outcry has not yet subsided. It is worth noting that, unlike brands such as Starbucks, which faced boycotts over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict leading to the closure of numerous stores, Chagee's offline stores in Kuala Lumpur have maintained steady takeout orders. This article will review the sequence of events and their actual impact on the brand's operations. [more…]

Luckin Coffee's recently launched co-branded limited-edition takeaway cups have sparked widespread discussion on social media. Some consumers reported that after seeing promotions in livestreams and placing orders, they were told upon arriving at stores that the limited-edition cups were out of stock and would not be restocked, leaving them to accept ordinary cold drink cups instead. In Hainan, Jilin, and other regions, plastic ban policies prevented the use of these injection-molded cups, yet official channels continued to display promotional images, causing customers to make futile trips to stores. In addition, issues such as the absence of notices in the promotions indicating limited quantities and the failure to promptly update promotional images after stores ran out of stock left both consumers and store employees frustrated. Front Street Coffee notes that this incident reflects shortcomings in the brand's management of peripheral materials and promotional standards. [more…]

The co-branding campaign between Chagee and "Ne Zha 2" had not yet been officially announced, but a large number of leaked merchandise images had already surfaced on social media, sparking heated discussion among fans. However, as more images were exposed, merchandise enthusiasts who had been full of anticipation discovered that the square badges in this design bore a striking resemblance to competitor Cotti's fridge magnets, and the quality also fell short of expectations, with disappointment written all over their faces. Facing the growing public discourse, Chagee's official account appeared in the comments section to debunk rumors and try to soothe fans' emotions. Meanwhile, Cotti, which was the first to launch its co-branded campaign, won praise for its sincerity and after-sales service, invisibly putting comparative pressure on Chagee. How will this co-branding controversy unfold? And what gaps exist between fans' expectations and the brand's preparations? [more…]

Recently, an incident in the ancient town of Ciqikou in Chongqing sparked widespread discussion: on-duty police officers were asked to leave by staff while eating at outdoor tables and chairs outside a Starbucks store, on the grounds of "affecting the brand image," and were subsequently complained about. The incident quickly fermented online, with netizens questioning whether Starbucks' actions were appropriate. At the same time, an internet influencer cited the so-called "Internal Affairs Regulations of the People's Police of Public Security Organs" to question the officers' behavior, but it was found that the cited content was actually pieced together from another regulation. Starbucks customer service responded that they are verifying the matter and will discipline the employees involved if it is true. This is not the first time Starbucks has been mired in controversy for driving away police; similar incidents have occurred previously at stores in the United States and at Songshan Wanda in China. This article takes you through the full picture of the incident and the voices of all parties. [more…]

On World Book Day, Lelecha partnered with Yilin Press to launch "Smoky Oolong" milk tea, centered around the image of Lu Xun, but it sparked controversy due to the advertising slogan "Old Smoky Tune, New Youth." CCTV.com published an article criticizing the collaboration for turning a literary master into entertainment and for inappropriate wording. Subsequently, Lelecha urgently removed the related merchandise and promotional posts. Behind the incident, the boundary issues of tea beverage brands collaborating with historical figures have once again drawn attention. Front Street Coffee takes you through the whole story. [more…]

Pour-over kettles are essential tools for coffee enthusiasts, and many people keep several at home, using them separately for boiling water, brewing drip bags, or matching different occasions and bean types. Besides well-known brands like the B kettle, many also favor uniquely designed niche kettle styles. However, recently some netizens discovered that a Taobao merchant used revealing images of a female model in a corset on the product details page for a pour-over kettle, accompanied by ambiguous text, sparking strong disgust among coffee lovers. The relevant screenshots quickly spread on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douban, with many condemning the marketing approach as vulgar and objectifying women. The merchant subsequently responded on WeChat Moments. The incident also brings to mind a previous controversy involving a coffee machine brand that used nude models for promotion. [more…]

Nayuki launched a collaboration with Japanese virtual singer Hatsune Miku, releasing a theme song, limited-edition drinks, and merchandise, attracting a large number of fans to visit stores and check in. However, some store employees cosplayed as Hatsune Miku in exaggerated ways, such as wearing masked headpieces, and were jokingly called by netizens "the century's meeting of the realist and abstract schools," sparking heated discussion. The brand subsequently issued an urgent notice strictly prohibiting employees from cosplaying as Hatsune Miku again, believing that such behavior damages the brand image and may invite complaints. But many fans said they were not offended and instead found it amusing. This collaboration controversy reflects the delicate balance between employees' individualized expression and brand management when tea beverage brands cooperate with ACG IPs. [more…]

Italian coffee brand Lavazza recently held its first brand exhibition in Shanghai at Sinan Mansions, titled "A Century of Coffee Art." The exhibition features five distinctive zones, ranging from classic coffee cup art installations to a simulated space station, from antique coffee machines to an artistic photography exhibition, and from coffee blending experiences to an immersive Italian street scene, comprehensively showcasing the cultural heritage and innovative spirit of this 128-year-old Italian coffee brand. The exhibition is free and open to the public, and the first 200 visitors each day can enjoy coffee for just 0.1 yuan. Meanwhile, Lavazza's development in the Chinese market has drawn considerable attention, evolving from its early lukewarm reception to rapid expansion following its partnership with Yum China, with its "thousand-store plan" steadily advancing. [more…]

A single cup of fruit tea smoothie turned out to contain fragments of an entire packet of deoxidizer. After drinking it, the consumer experienced a foreign-body sensation in the throat and a burning stomach, and was diagnosed with chemical esophagitis after seeking medical attention. The store involved first admitted it was an employee operational error, then said the deoxidizer had been crushed together with its outer packaging and filler and mixed into the ingredients, but later denied during mediation that the drink contained deoxidizer. The brand's apology letter was also deleted not long afterward. In this food safety dispute at a chain tea beverage brand, from medical consultation and negotiation to a 12315 complaint and market supervision bureau mediation, the compensation issue remained unresolved, sparking heated discussion online about the safety of freshly made drinks and brand responsibility. [more…]

Recently, a post about Mixue Bingcheng employees wearing cigarette-shaped decorations sparked heated discussion on social media. The poster pointed out that store employees had cigarette-shaped hair clips attached to the brims of their baseball caps, arguing that this makes smoking seem entertaining and normalizes it, and expressing concern about the negative impact on brand image and consumer perception. Some netizens speculated that this was just young staff members playing around, while other Mixue employees emphasized that the stores strictly prohibit smoking. However, most voices still held that employees wearing uniforms represent the company's image, and cigarette decorations easily raise hygiene concerns, especially potentially setting a bad example for underage customers. After the incident gained traction, a person believed to be the store manager and official customer service responded one after another, acknowledging the inappropriate behavior and stating that it had been rectified. Front Street Coffee continues to follow developments in the coffee and beverage industry, bringing you the latest report. [more…]

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…]

Recently, a set of promotional photos from CHAGEE's seventh-anniversary offline event caused a stir on social media. An ordinary consumer who took part in the event discovered that a photo of her with an unflattering expression had been taken without her knowledge and posted by the brand on its official account, after which friends screenshotted it to poke fun at her. When she contacted customer service to demand the photo be deleted, she encountered delays and received no public apology. The brand's explanation of its review standards further led her to question whether she was being treated differently. As the incident intensified, netizens' opinions split into two camps: some criticized the brand's review mechanism, while others felt the person involved was overthinking things to her own detriment. What exactly does this controversy reveal about the gray areas in the portrait-rights clauses of brand event? As of press time, CHAGEE has not yet responded officially. [more…]

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…]

Xiangpiaopiao rode a cup sleeve printed with Chinese and Japanese bilingual text mocking Japan's nuclear-contaminated water to hit trending searches within just a few days, with livestream sales soaring 400-fold and its stock price hitting the daily limit at market open, earning it the title of "glory of domestic brands" from netizens. But the story soon took a dramatic turn—local supermarkets in Japan denied selling products with the cup sleeve, media questioned it as staged hype, the cup sleeve was taken off shelves on May 8, and the stock price fell back accordingly. Behind this "windfall from heaven" lies a deeper anxiety: powdered milk tea made with non-dairy creamer is struggling amid the rise of freshly made tea drinks and shifting health-conscious consumer attitudes. Competition from brands like Heytea and Mixue Bingcheng has driven Xiangpiaopiao's performance down for three consecutive years, making a shift to ready-to-drink products an inevitable choice. This article walks through the entire timeline of the incident and explores the real impact of this traffic storm on the brand's image. Follow Front Street Coffee and let's savor the ups and downs of the coffee and tea beverage industry together. [more…]

Well-known yogurt brand Blueglass was fined 400,000 yuan by the Beijing Chaoyang District Market Supervision Administration for an advertisement that carried hints about male function. In May of this year, the brand launched the "Superboy Boyfriend Power Wins a Round" series, adding ingredients such as cistanche, polygonatum, and ginseng, and paired it with advertising slogans such as "I won't sell to anyone under 18," which sparked consumer backlash. Regulators determined that its advertisement was vulgar, bordered on pornography, and violated public order. After the case came to light, the brand removed the related advertisement, but recently reporters found that the ad image still exists in the mini-program, and the product has been renamed "Good Spirit Wins a Round," while the ingredients still include maca, deer penis, and other components. As coffee enthusiasts, we pay attention to the boundaries and compliance issues of brand marketing. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks launched a "Good Luck at Work, Fill Up with Expectations" promotion offering a laptop bag with qualifying purchases, but unexpectedly became embroiled in a plagiarism controversy. Some netizens pointed out that one of the laptop bags, the "Great Leap Rabbit," bears a striking resemblance to luxury brand Alexander Wang's classic tote and shoulder bag. Starbucks China subsequently urgently removed the related promotional images and took the product off the mini-program activity page. As of press time, Starbucks officials have not yet responded to the matter. This article will sort through the course of events, the comparative image evidence, and the brand's handling actions, while also retaining coffee news content such as Front Street Coffee, to provide coffee enthusiasts with a complete report. [more…]

Chagee recently launched the second wave of its "Ne Zha 2" co-branded limited-edition packaging across stores nationwide. The popular character Ao Guang is printed on paper bags and takeaway cups, sold in a bundle with "Seeking Fragrance Camellia." Buying one cup earns you a matching paper bag. As soon as the news broke, fans rushed to buy them, but after receiving the actual products, they were greatly disappointed: the pattern on the cup body has severe ghosting, so much so that people joked you'd need 3D glasses to see it clearly. The color difference between the themed cup, paper bag, and poster is obvious, and the details are blurred into a mosaic. Many consumers pointed out that the first batch of packaging had already suffered from problems like blurry printing and fading. They had expected the brand to improve its craftsmanship, but unexpectedly the second batch still flopped. In addition, some stores did not use the themed cups as advertised, which harmed the rights of delivery customers. As coffee enthusiasts, Front Street Coffee has also noticed this co-branded merchandise quality control controversy. This article will sort out the whole story and consumer feedback. [more…]