Posts tagged: entrepreneurship

Unveiling the Success Story of Bubble Tea Billionaires – Mixue Bingcheng.

From Shaved Ice to Billion-Dollar Bliss – Bubble Tea Dynasty Emerges in Zhengzhou In the heart of Zhengzhou, central China, Zhang Hongchao’s entrepreneurial journey began with a borrowed sum from his grandmother. His initial venture into a shaved ice stall faced challenges, but undeterred, he launched Mixue Bingcheng two years later.

How Bubble Tea Billionaires started their journey –

Transforming from a “sweet snow palace” to China’s largest bubble tea maker, the Zhang brothers have ascended to billionaire status. The Path to ProsperityDiversification Sparks Success -Embracing evolution, Mixue diversified its offerings beyond shaved ice, venturing into ice cream, bubble tea, lemonade, and coffee. The strategic shift at dirt-cheap prices fueled the business’s ascent. 

Road to IPO -Mixue recently filed for an IPO in Hong Kong, with the brothers holding a substantial 42.8% stake. Forbes estimates the company’s worth at $2.9 billion, a testament to its impressive 46% and 48% revenue and net profit growth in the first nine months of 2023. Franchising Triumph -With a staggering 36,000 stores, Mixue dominates the Chinese market, boasting an additional 4,000 stores across 11 Asian countries. The prospectus reveals global sales of 5.8 billion drinks in the first nine months of 2023, securing its position as the second-largest global seller of freshly-made drinks. 

The Mixue Difference -Affordability at Its Core of Bubble Tea Billionaires

Earned the moniker “Pinduoduo of bubble tea,” Mixue stands out for its bargain prices. Products, including lemonade, soft-serve ice cream, fruit tea, and coffee, are priced between three cents and $1, undercutting competitors like Nayuki, whose average drink price is $3.80. Supply Chain Mastery -Mixue’s ability to maintain low prices stems from an end-to-end supply chain. From procurement to quality control, the company’s efficiency allows it to offer cost-effective products. Notably, revenue and profits primarily arise from supplying kitchen appliances and ingredients to franchisees. 

The Origins of Mixue Bingcheng -From College Student to Entrepreneur –

Hongchao’s journey commenced at Henan Economics and Finance College in 1997. A part-time job at a drinks kiosk sparked the idea of crafting his own handmade ice machine and establishing Coldsnap Shaved Ice, financed by his grandmother’s 3,000 yuan. Learning from Setbacks -Initial struggles selling shaved ice during winter prompted a pivot to new products, such as sugary drinks and soft-serve ice cream in 1999. Hongfu, now Mixue’s CEO, joined in 2007, introducing standardization and paving the way for the successful franchise model. Franchise Phenomenon -Today, Mixue’s franchise model operates 99.8% of its 36,000 stores, making it a global franchise giant. With 84 Chinese patents and self-operated factories, the company supplies franchisees with everything from kitchen appliances to syrups, milk, tea, coffee, and fruit. 

Expansion with Innovation –

Innovations and Global Expansion Lucky Cup Coffee and Beyond -Innovations, including the introduction of Lucky Cup coffee stores in 2017, mark Mixue’s continuous growth. Expanding globally, the Mixue brand now graces locations in Vietnam, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Snow King’s Reign -The introduction of the iconic “Snow King” mascot, coupled with music videos and audio in stores, propelled Mixue’s brand recognition. The Snow King-themed song, “I Love You, You Love Me, Mixue Ice Cream & Tea,” garnered over 24 million views, solidifying Mixue’s presence in pop culture. 

The Bubble Tea Billionaires A New Wave of Wealth –

Joining the ranks of bubble tea tycoons, the Zhang brothers are riding the wave of popularity among millennials and Gen Z. Their success mirrors the industry’s growth, with fellow entrepreneurs making fortunes in the competitive market. In conclusion, Mixue Bingcheng’s extraordinary journey from a small shaved ice stall to a global bubble tea giant reflects the determination and innovation that define successful entrepreneurs. As they stand on the precipice of an IPO, the Zhang brothers’ story is a testament to the limitless possibilities within the dynamic world of business and beverages.