Apr 1, 2021|
Black Coffee is a New Trend among Chinese Consumers
by Rachel Liu
Black coffee is trending among Chinese consumers, especially those who peruse healthy lifestyles in first and second tier cities.
Since the beginning of this year, sales of black coffee on JD increased 130% YOY. Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Chengdu are the Top 5 cities for black coffee consumption.
“Black coffee is one of the most common drinks in western countries, but only began to rise its popularity in China in recent years,” said a sales manager from JD. The Baidu Index shows that, searches of “black coffee” started to increase quickly from the beginning of 2020. “When coffee was first introduced to China, people were not used to the taste of black coffee, so instant coffee and coffee-flavored drinks were most popular at that time. Now, more consumers have begun to enjoy the taste of black coffee.”
The trend of keeping fit and living healthier lifestyles in China also contributed to the rise of black coffee. With no sugar or milk, 100g of black coffee has only 2.55 calories. Black coffee is also helpful for burning fat and improving metabolism. JD data shows that customers from 25 to 35 years-old living in first and second tier cities, especially office workers and young mothers, are the key customers for black coffee, as they usually attach great importance on keeping body shape and pursing a premium lifestyle.
The trend has encouraged many brands to develop black coffee products in all kinds of forms which suit Chinese customers’ demands, such as drip coffee, freeze-dried coffee and concentrated coffee, all of which are easy to carry and prepare. As coffee machines are not as common in China as in western countries, these products are especially suitable for drinking in offices or for customers who do not have coffee machines.
TASOGAREDE is one of the brands that saw rapid growth on JD since 2018. The brand mainly develops sugar-free black coffee that is convenient to drink. In 2020, the 24-bag package of drip coffee generated over RMB 10 million yuan in sales on JD.
“We believe Chinese consumers are looking for a better drinking experience, and black coffee has great potential. With no sugar or creamer, our products are healthy and can reflect the original flavor of coffee,” said Jiahao Yu, director of channels at TASOGAREDE. “JD has played an important role in the growth of TASOGAREDE in the past few years. Since joining JD in 2018, the brand has seen a 300% sales increase each year. We also worked together to develop C2M products based on consumption trends and big data collected from JD’s online and offline channels.”
Other popular coffee brands on JD include Italian brands illy, Lavazza, and Segafredo Zanetti, Swiss brand Nestlé, as well as Starbucks, which began to sell coffee beans and instant drinking coffee on JD in 2019.
Nov 7, 2024|
CIIE 2024: JD.com to Expand Imports of Specialty Brands, Strengthen Healthcare Partnerships, and Enhance Logistics
At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, announced a major initiative to broaden its selection of imported specialty. Over the next three years, JD Super plans to introduce over 1,000 new international brands to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, diverse imported goods.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Quality Imports
According to JD Worldwide’s “White Paper on 2024 China Cross-Border Consumption Trends,” more than 80% of Chinese consumers are interested in imported products, with many prioritizing authenticity, quality, and fast delivery. In response, JD has significantly expanded its range of international offerings. During the ongoing Singles’ Day Grand Promotion, sales of cross-border products have surged, with more than 600 brands experiencing a sales increase of over 100% compared to last year.
Strengthening High-Quality Food Partnerships
Demonstrating JD.com’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products, JD Super signed a new procurement agreement at CIIE with Huadong Foods and Teys, a major Australian beef brand under Cargill. Under this agreement, JD Super and Huadong Foods will procure $50 million of Teys beef throughout 2025. This partnership underscores JD’s strategy of collaborating with trusted suppliers to provide high-quality, affordable beef to Chinese consumers.
Delivering Authentic Global Goods Efficiently
JD Logistics has built a robust logistics network that spans bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses, facilitating fast deliveries of imported items across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, food, and baby products. In many major cities, delivery times have been reduced to under 48 hours.
For instance, JD Super’s partnership with Raub of Malaysia enables the import of Musang King durians, which are harvested at peak ripeness and air-shipped with cold chain logistics for delivery within 24 hours. Additionally, JD.com also secured an early supply of Chilean cherries, available since October, which can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in many areas through JD NOW, its on-demand retail service.
JD.com’s “JD National Pavilions” program, which features over 150 country-themed flagship stores from more than 70 countries and regions, continues to be a cornerstone of its import strategy. Supported by embassies and reputable organizations, this initiative offers Chinese consumers access to premium products and cultural experiences from around the world. In April, JD launched the JD National Pavilion of Mali, introducing popular items like shea butter and garnering over 40,000 followers.
Expanding Healthcare and Logistics Partnerships
JD Health is also making strides at CIIE by strengthening partnerships with leading global healthcare companies, including Merck, Bayer, and Roche. As “China’s premier online health access point,” JD Health is committed to integrating digital and physical healthcare resources to improve access and convenience for patients.
Key collaborations include initiatives with Haleon to promote brain health and anti-aging for the “silver economy,” with MSD China on a digital diabetes management model, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide patient education for conditions such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) and Huntington’s disease (HD).
On the logistics front, JD Logistics announced plans to double its overseas warehouse space by 2025 and expand its network of bonded and direct mail warehouses. JD Express now serves over 60 countries, enhancing cross-border delivery efficiency and supporting both brands and consumers.
Through these efforts, JD.com reaffirms its commitment to sourcing and delivering authentic, high-quality imported products to Chinese consumers, supported by an advanced supply chain that ensures a superior shopping experience.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
JD White Paper: Customers Increasingly Focused on Hair Care
