Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPrepared beverage (made-to-order) and prepackaged RTD variants
Industry PositionConsumer Beverage Product
Market
In China, bubble tea (often grouped within the “new-style tea drinks” category) is a large urban beverage segment built around chain stores, made-to-order preparation, and mobile ordering. Competition is intense, with major brands scaling via dense store networks and a mix of self-pickup and delivery. Market compliance differs materially by format: freshly made drinks fall under catering/foodservice controls, while prepackaged/RTD products must meet GB labeling and nutrition-label standards. For imported prepackaged bubble tea products or components, market entry can be blocked by GACC overseas-manufacturer registration and label/additive non-conformities.
Market RoleMajor producer and consumer market with significant domestic chain-based retail production
Domestic RoleMainstream urban retail and delivery beverage category; primarily domestic-consumption oriented
Market GrowthMixed (medium-term outlook)slow growth with increasing saturation and stock-competition dynamics
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImports of prepackaged bubble tea/RTD products or certain components can be blocked or delayed if the overseas manufacturer is not properly registered with Chinese Customs (GACC) under Order/Decree No. 248 and/or if labeling, nutrition labeling, and additive declarations do not conform to applicable GB standards.Complete GACC overseas producer registration where applicable, verify Chinese label and nutrition label content against the currently effective GB 7718/GB 28050 requirements (and plan for the 2027-03-16 transition to GB 7718-2025 and GB 28050-2025), and run a pre-shipment compliance check with the China importer.
Food Safety MediumMade-to-order bubble tea operations rely on perishable inputs (especially dairy- and fruit-based components) and high-throughput store preparation, increasing the probability of hygiene or temperature-control failures that can trigger enforcement actions and brand damage.Implement time/temperature controls, sanitation SOPs, and supplier approval for perishable inputs; use centralized commissaries where feasible to standardize controls.
Logistics MediumFor imported RTD beverages or bulky bubble tea kits, freight-rate volatility can materially affect landed cost and promotion-driven margins in China’s price-competitive tea-drink market.Prioritize local procurement/commissary production for bulky components where feasible, and hedge logistics exposure through multi-port routing and contracted freight where scale allows.
Sustainability MediumPlastic pollution control measures increase compliance and reputational risk for bubble tea brands that rely heavily on single-use cups, lids, and straws, particularly in delivery-heavy channels.Adopt compliant alternative materials where required, reduce packaging, and align delivery packaging specs with local implementation rules in key cities/provinces.
Market Competition MediumChina’s new-style tea drinks sector is characterized by intense competition and frequent pricing/promotion tactics, which can pressure supplier terms and reduce tolerance for input cost increases.Differentiate via quality assurance, consistent input specs, and co-development of seasonal/limited-edition ingredients that support premium positioning or defensible demand.
Sustainability- Single-use packaging (cups, lids, straws) compliance pressure under China’s plastic pollution control policy framework, which targets restrictions and substitution for certain plastic products.
FAQ
Do overseas manufacturers need to register with Chinese Customs (GACC) before exporting prepackaged bubble tea products to China?Yes. China’s GACC Order/Decree No. 248 sets registration requirements for overseas producers exporting food to China, and non-compliance can block or delay shipments.
Which GB standards matter most for labeling and nutrition labeling of prepackaged bubble tea products sold in China?The main anchors are GB 7718 for prepackaged food labeling and GB 28050 for nutrition labeling. Updated versions (GB 7718-2025 and GB 28050-2025) have been issued with an implementation date of March 16, 2027, so compliance planning should cover both the current 2011 versions and the 2027 transition.
Why is single-use packaging a sustainability risk for bubble tea brands in China?China’s national plastic pollution control policy framework calls for restricting and substituting certain plastic products, which creates compliance and reputational pressure for beverage formats that heavily rely on single-use cups, lids, and straws—especially in delivery-heavy channels.