In the fast-paced world of beverages, Yili Group has found a refreshing way to stand out. The dairy giant, well known for its milk products, is stepping up its game with an innovative take on bottled tea. Launched in July 2023 under the brand Inikin, this new tea product features a unique twist-cap design that keeps tea leaves and water separated until it’s time to drink. This clever design ensures that every bottle delivers freshly brewed, sugar-free tea, bringing a whole new level of freshness to the bottled beverage market.
Yili’s bottled tea isn’t just another addition to the market—it’s a product designed to shake things up. The secret? The innovative twist-cap. This unique cap allows tea drinkers to enjoy the freshest cup of tea, even when they’re on the move. By keeping the tea leaves and water apart, the cap guarantees that the tea is brewed right before consumption, preserving its natural flavor and aroma. No more settling for flat, stale tea from a bottle—this is a product that lives up to its promise of freshness, delivering the kind of taste that feels like it’s just been brewed in your kitchen.
What’s even more impressive is that this tea is sugar-free, making it a healthier option for those who want to cut down on added sugars without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re after a burst of refreshment or a moment of calm, Inikin’s freshly brewed tea hits the spot, offering a delightful, natural flavor profile that feels as though it’s just been plucked from the teapot.
In terms of business success, Inikin’s freshly brewed tea has quickly become one of Yili’s top performers. As of 2024, Yili reported a solid revenue boost, thanks in part to the rising popularity of its bottled tea. The product has gained widespread availability in convenience stores nationwide and has seen an impressive 60% sell-through rate, along with a remarkable e-commerce conversion rate of 7%—three times the industry average. With these results, Inikin is rapidly becoming a fan favorite, helping to drive Yili’s expansion into the highly competitive beverage market.
But this surge in bottled tea sales is just one piece of the puzzle. Yili’s success across other sectors, including bottled water and plant-based products, has also contributed to a significant boost in its financial standing. This diversified approach is proving to be an effective strategy in a time when traditional dairy sales have faced challenges. In fact, Yili’s overall revenue grew by nearly 16% year-on-year, even as the dairy sector experienced a decline in sales.
The tea business isn’t Yili’s first venture outside of dairy. The company has been on a mission to diversify its portfolio, and its move into the bottled tea segment is just the latest example of this broader strategy. Yili has already made waves with its Plant Selected soy milk line and its successful venture into packaged water. By stepping into the fast-growing tea and beverage markets, Yili is taking strategic steps to offset the cyclical fluctuations in dairy, particularly the volatility in raw milk prices.
It’s clear that Yili is focused on the future. The company’s rapid expansion into tea and water products shows that it’s not just trying to weather the storm—it’s looking to lead the charge in innovation. With plans to further broaden its tea offerings, introducing new flavors and expanding market coverage, Yili is setting itself up for continued success in the competitive beverage sector.
Yili’s focus on innovation is paying off. As of 2024, the company’s freshly brewed tea business is growing rapidly, with retail sales of Inikin bottled tea doubling. This growth is a direct response to the increasing consumer demand for healthier, on-the-go beverage options. Yili’s commitment to maintaining the freshness of its tea while offering a sugar-free product is resonating with consumers who are seeking more natural and refreshing beverages.
Yili’s success in the bottled tea market is part of a broader trend of beverage companies diversifying their offerings. With the dairy industry facing challenges, companies are looking to tap into the growing demand for healthier, ready-to-drink beverages. Yili’s freshly brewed tea is leading the way in this space, offering a high-quality, convenient alternative to traditional soft drinks and sugary beverages.
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