In the first half of 2026, China's tea beverage industry showed a noteworthy signal: Nongfu Spring's tea beverage revenue reached RMB 13.122 billion, up 30.1% year on year and accounting for 44.2% of total revenue. Behind this figure lies not only the growth of a single company, but also the emergence of strong global delivery capabilities in China's large-scale tea beverage production and flexible contract manufacturing systems. For overseas customers, particularly buyers in emerging markets across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, this means they can leverage China's mature ODM/OEM supply chain to obtain cost-effective customized products. However, alongside export growth, changes in trade rules, product certification, label compliance, and delivery standards are becoming new challenges that companies must address.

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Production Capacity and Supply Chain Realities Behind the 30.1% Growth Rate

According to publicly available information, Nongfu Spring's tea beverage segment generated revenue of RMB 13.122 billion in the first half of 2026, representing year-on-year growth of 30.1%. This business accounted for 44.2% of total revenue. These growth figures indicate that China's tea beverage market has achieved a considerable level of maturity in large-scale production. At the same time, the “large-scale production and flexible contract manufacturing system” mentioned in the event summary supports rapid delivery capabilities, meaning that China's tea beverage supply chain can not only meet domestic market demand but is also capable of exporting customized products in volume to overseas customers. For overseas buyers, China's tea beverage contract manufacturing (ODM/OEM) model is becoming an important option for entering emerging markets.

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Trade Rules and Compliance Requirements Are Reshaping Export Thresholds

From an industry impact perspective, the growth trend in China's tea beverage exports is intersecting with changes in import regulations across multiple markets. The following types of companies and stakeholders will be directly affected:

Exporters and Contract Manufacturers: Certification and Label Compliance Become Prerequisites

For Chinese companies directly engaged in tea beverage exports and ODM/OEM factories handling overseas orders, the primary concern is the food import regulations of target markets. For example, many Southeast Asian countries are imposing increasingly stringent labeling requirements for sugar-containing beverages; halal certification has become almost standard in the Middle East; and Latin American markets have independent regulations governing the use of food additives. Exporters must ensure that product formulations, labels, nutrition facts panels, and shelf-life declarations comply with the specific regulations of target markets; otherwise, they may face the risk of goods being detained or returned.

Overseas Buyers and Distributors: Supply Chain Reviews and Delivery Standards Must Be Confirmed in Advance

For overseas distributors or retailers planning to introduce Chinese tea beverages, supply chain compliance reviews deserve greater attention at present. Buyers need to verify whether contract manufacturers hold relevant export qualifications, such as customs registration and HACCP or ISO22000 certification, and whether products have obtained the import permits or certifications required by the target market. In addition, product delivery lead times, environmental standards for packaging materials, and temperature control during transportation may all become critical factors affecting final sales.

Expansion into Emerging Markets: Customized Products Must Align with Local Regulatory Frameworks

Although demand for Chinese tea beverages is growing significantly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, each region has different regulatory frameworks. For example, some Southeast Asian countries require imported foods to provide certificates of origin and health certificates; several Middle Eastern countries require products to comply with Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) standards; and Latin American markets may impose stricter testing requirements for pesticide residues and microbiological indicators. This means exporters cannot simply export domestic products directly, but need to adjust formulations or redesign packaging according to local compliance requirements.

Practical Priorities Companies Should Currently Focus On

Based on the information provided in the event summary, companies and buyers need to focus on the following practical aspects during business implementation:

Advance Certification and Compliance Reviews

Before signing contract manufacturing agreements or purchase orders with overseas customers, it is advisable to first confirm the mandatory certification requirements of the target market. For example, determine whether Halal certification, Kosher certification, or compliance with specific standards such as those of the U.S. FDA or the EU EFSA is required. Completing certification in advance can shorten the product launch cycle.

Preparation of Documentation and Test Reports

Exported tea beverages typically require ingredient analysis reports, microbiological test reports, heavy metal test reports, and pesticide residue test reports. Some markets also require shelf-life stability test reports. Companies should ensure that the versions and content of these documents comply with the latest requirements of the importing country.

Delivery Lead Times and Supply Chain Flexibility

The “flexible contract manufacturing system” mentioned in the event summary is an advantage. However, in export business, delivery lead times can easily be affected by international logistics, customs clearance efficiency, and inspection and quarantine at the port of destination. Companies are advised to clearly specify delivery terms in quotations and contracts and allow sufficient time buffers.

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This Should Be Understood as a Growth Signal Rather Than Fully Established Rules

From an industry observation perspective, the current growth figures for Nongfu Spring's tea beverages and the release of contract manufacturing capacity are more appropriately understood as signals of market expansion rather than indications that export rules have been fully implemented. The 30.1% growth rate demonstrates the competitive potential of Chinese tea beverages in overseas markets, but import regulations, labeling requirements, certification standards, and trade barriers vary dynamically across countries. For example, some Southeast Asian countries are revising their tax policies on sugar-containing beverages, which may affect product pricing and market strategies. Therefore, companies cannot determine market access conditions based solely on existing data and need to continuously monitor regulatory updates in target markets.

View Growth Rationally and Continue Focusing on Compliance Implementation

Overall, the 30.1% growth in China's tea beverage exports and the continued release of contract manufacturing capacity have delivered positive signals to the industry. This indicates that the competitiveness of China's tea beverage supply chain in the global market is improving and provides overseas customers with more diversified sourcing options. However, success in export business depends not only on production capacity and pricing, but more importantly on understanding and complying with target market rules. At present, the industry should view this growth trend rationally and regard compliance preparation, certification reviews, and supply chain management as necessary prerequisites for entering new markets rather than remedial measures taken afterward.

Information Basis and Areas for Further Observation

This article was generated based on the news headline, event period (January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026), and event summary provided by the user. Relevant factual information is derived from public reports and industry data. It should be noted that this article does not provide links to specific official policy documents or sources of government announcements. The following areas still require continued attention:

• Detailed updates to food import regulations in each target market;
• Specific implementation criteria applied by certification bodies to tea beverage products;
• Changes in labeling, additives, and hygiene standards in trading partner countries;
• Industry feedback and cases from companies' actual export implementation.