Kuodi Coffee Enters the Tea Drink Market in China: A Move That Sparks Both Support and Concern on Weibo
In a significant move that has sent shockwaves across the Chinese beverage market, Kuodi Coffee, a well-known coffee brand, has announced its foray into the tea drink market. This entry marks an ambitious attempt by Kuodi to offer consumers a wider range of options as it seeks to diversify its product portfolio while maintaining its commitment to providing affordable and high-quality beverages.
23 November 2023
The news was met with mixed reactions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, which is known for its active and passionate user base. While some netizens welcomed the move, others expressed concerns about Kuodi's intentions and the potential impact on existing players in the market, particularly milk tea businesses.
The announcement was shared by various Weibo users, with some expressing their support for the brand's decision to enter a new market segment. One user, @Lilong_123, posted, "Support Kuadi! It's great that they are lowering all tea beverage prices!" This sentiment resonated with many, who appreciated the affordability aspect of the move.
However, not everyone shared such optimism. Some netizens were quick to criticize Kuodi, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on the milk tea industry. @Sunflower_garden commented, "Extremely unpleasant, don't pollute the milk tea industry... What's wrong? Are you flaunting now?" This sentiment was echoed by several other users who felt that Kuodi's move could disrupt an established market and negatively impact smaller players.
Users also expressed skepticism about the quality of Kuodi's tea beverages, with some questioning whether the brand could offer low-priced drinks while maintaining their taste. @Jasmine89 commented, "Can't compete with Luckin anymore? KuDI [Kuodi] is a warrior, and KuDI wants to lower the price of which coffee shop this time." This comment indicates that some users believe the brand may be struggling in the coffee sector and is attempting to shift focus to tea as an alternative.
The choice of name for Kuodi's new product offerings also sparked curiosity among netizens. One user, @Pagoda_tree, queried, "Why is it called 'cat tea' and not 'cup tea'?" The humorously worded comment reflects the playful nature of many Weibo users, who often use the platform for lighthearted banter and witty observations.
Despite some criticism, there were also netizens who appreciated Kuodi's variety of offerings and recognized that each type of beverage has its unique appeal. @Zhongguo_fangfan posted, "Kuidi Coffee is pretty good, but milk tea still isn't up to par; each has its advantages." This comment encapsulates the sentiment of a significant portion of Weibo users who believe that the entry of Kuodi into the tea market does not necessarily mean the demise of other beverage options.
Finally, some netizens engaged in a humorous debate about whether they should drink more coffee or milk tea based on their preferences. @Jinming90 quipped, "...do you think your coffee is not good enough?" This friendly back-and-forth reflects the lighthearted nature of Chinese social media conversations and highlights the diverse tastes and preferences among netizens.
In conclusion, Kuodi Coffee's foray into the tea drink market has created a buzz on Weibo, with reactions ranging from support to skepticism. While some users appreciate the brand's diversification and affordability initiatives, others express concerns about potential disruptions in the milk tea industry or question the quality of Kuodi's new offerings. As always, time will tell how successful this move will be for the company and what it means for the broader Chinese beverage market.