Cassava Emerges as Winter Dessert Trendsetter, CHABAIDAO (02555) Launches "Hearty Cassava Dessert Bowl"

Following kale and wheatgrass, another niche ingredient—cassava—has been propelled into the spotlight this winter by new tea beverage brands. Desserts featuring cassava as the primary ingredient now occupy prominent positions on the menus of major milk tea shops, attracting a wave of young consumers eager to try the novelty. Taking the "Hearty Cassava Dessert Bowl" launched by CHABAIDAO (02555) as an example, many consumers have shared their experiences on social media platforms: "First time trying cassava; it has a unique, pleasantly chewy bite." "CHABAIDAO could be renamed 'Generous Tea'—the bowl is packed full of cassava, the most substantial I've ever had. After having it for afternoon tea, I didn't even need dinner." A representative from CHABAIDAO reported that the dessert bowl series sold nearly 800,000 units within just three days of its launch. "Consumer acceptance of this niche ingredient, cassava, is remarkably high. Our cassava is sourced from Guangxi, utilizing the 'South China No. 9' yellow-heart variety developed by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. This variety is known for its high starch content and low fiber. We specifically harvest during the cold season when the cassava has fully accumulated starch, and we use only the plump, fine-fibered middle sections." It was further learned from CHABAIDAO stores that to further ensure optimal texture, a "cold bath" step has been added during the preparation of the "Hearty Cassava Dessert Bowl." The representative explained that this process, akin to giving the cooked cassava a "cold water rinse," helps better preserve its soft, glutinous texture and prevents it from absorbing excessive sugar. Combined with ingredients like milk mochi and peach gum, it offers consumers a profound sense of substance and satisfaction. Zhu Danpeng, a Chinese food industry analyst, commented that the popularity of cassava desserts stems not only from the novelty factor of the小众 ingredient but also reflects the proactive exploration of the afternoon tea consumption occasion by new tea beverage brands.