For NONGFU SPRING, ice cups represent a product with strategic significance.
Zhong Shanshan, founder of NONGFU SPRING, is expanding into a new business. According to the Zhejiang Provincial Government website, the company plans to invest 28.42 million RMB to expand its annual production capacity of edible ice by 7,000 tons at its Hangzhou Jiande Xin'anjiang Beverage Co., Ltd. facility. The project will utilize idle production space to install advanced ice production lines, focusing on edible ice products.
In recent years, ice cups have emerged as a popular summer beverage item and a fast-growing segment in the food and beverage industry. Data from the *2025 China Urban Consumption Behavior White Paper* shows that ice cup sales have maintained a growth rate exceeding 300% for two consecutive years.
Ice cups, which are transparent plastic containers filled with edible ice, serve as instant cooling tools for homemade drinks. They come in plain and flavored varieties and have gained popularity among young consumers for their versatility in DIY beverage creations.
Zhong Shanshan, known for his forward-looking product strategies, has been exploring the edible ice market since 2023. In 2024, NONGFU SPRING launched 160g ice cups in convenience stores, priced between 3.5 and 5 RMB. By June 2025, the company introduced 2kg bagged edible ice in Sam's Club, which, despite its higher price of 22.8 RMB, saw strong demand.
The booming ice cup market has attracted major players like Mengniu and Yili, as well as tea brands such as Mixue Bingcheng and Gu Ming. However, the business is characterized by thin profit margins due to high packaging and cold-chain logistics costs.
Industry experts predict further market expansion and potential price wars as competition intensifies. With NONGFU SPRING's entry, the ice cup market may undergo significant consolidation.
Analysts suggest that differentiation in product tiers—from premium to budget options—will shape the future of this rapidly evolving sector.
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