Asian speciality drinks is still a very small and emerging category in Egypt. There is a strong appetite for trying new types of soft drinks from other cultures, which niche brands are starting to tap into. Retail e-commerce is providing a pivotal channel for emerging brands to reach Egypt’s younger demographic in particular.

Sales of Asian speciality drinks have declined in 2025 as price hikes have put pressure on demand. Other challenges include Japan’s rapidly declining birth rate which is reducing the target audience for Asahi’s dominant Calpis brand. In an effort to remain relevant, leading players such as Asahi and Suntory are focusing on efforts to reach a wider audience, including introducing and promoting healthier products.

Asian speciality drinks in Indonesia saw off-trade volume sales increase in 2025 driven by strategic pricing, affordable cup packaging, and promotions that countered weakened purchasing power. On-trade sales declined due to economic pressures and niche appeal. Cooling waters like Larutan Cap Kaki Tiga maintained appeal through tradition, targeted marketing, and aggressive price reductions. Okky Jelly Drink (Garuda Beverage Sukses PT) leads with innovation and social media engagement, while Sari

Asian speciality drinks in China is under increasing pressure from competing substitutes offering more innovative soft drinks. Often considered outdated, these drinks are losing ground in an increasingly competitive landscape, resulting in limited growth opportunities.

Asian speciality drinks is seeing growth driven by its compatibility with the evolving health and wellness trend and manufacturers’ efforts to align their product ranges with the preferences of health conscious consumers. The category is also seeing sales boosted by an expanding product range due both to the innovation strategies of established players and the entry of new players, including international brands.

Retail volume sales of Asian specialty drinks grew in 2025 from a very small base, fuelled by the expansion of bubble tea cafés and strong delivery-platform integration. Bubble tea remained the key growth driver, with chains like Gong cha and Bubble King broadening menus and increasing availability across major cities through both physical stores and Glovo. Looking ahead, expansion is set to continue, supported by youth-oriented cafés, digital ecosystems, and rising experimentation.

Asian speciality drinks in the UAE is recording modest volume growth in 2025, driven mainly by curiosity, a growing expatriate base and interest in unconventional flavours, although low awareness among local consumers and high sugar content limit broader uptake. The category remains niche, with most purchases occurring on impulse due to limited visibility in major stores and weak integration into routine shopping habits. Over the forecast period, steady expansion is expected as new, well-markete

Asian speciality drinks are suffering from an old-fashioned and less healthy image with sales continuing to decline sharply in off- and on-trade volume terms in 2025. Younger consumers in particular are showing a preference for healthier and more modern soft drinks, leaving less room for Asian speciality drinks .

Asian speciality drinks is seeing growth supported by the rising interest in Asian culinary traditions amongst Australian consumers in general, as well as the ongoing expansion of the population of Asian origin in the country. The category is also benefiting from its alignment with prevailing trends towards health and wellness.

Asian speciality drinks saw modest growth in South Korea in off-trade volume terms in 2025, driven by K-culture's influence and the introduction of zero sugar options. While established brands like Lotte and Woongjin adapted with sugar-free variants after sales declines, KT&G's JungKwanJang led growth by capitalising on health and wellness trends and online exclusives. The "loconomy" trend also spurred regional product innovation. Hypermarkets remained crucial for distribution, yet e-commerce is

Asian speciality drinks in Vietnam experienced slower value growth and a marginal off-trade volume drop in 2025 due to economic caution, though increased tourism buoyed on-trade sales. Multi-packs helped mitigate declines. Rice water drinks surged in popularity, influenced by Korean culture and tourism, with local brands actively promoting them. Interfood (Wonderfarm) led a consolidated landscape, but fragmentation increased with imported brands. E-commerce gained significant share from traditio

Asian speciality drinks experienced a slight off-trade volume decline in Malaysia in 2025 due to the rising sugar tax, health concerns, and limited new product innovation. However, on-trade sales saw strong growth, driven by affordability, diverse offerings in foodservice, and tourism. Yeo Hiap Seng led with local sourcing and festive promotions, while Ace Canning showed dynamic growth via affordable multipacks. Small local grocers remained the main distribution channel, although forecourt retai

The Coca-Cola Co remains the clear leader in the global soft drinks market. While legacy brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite or Fanta continue to account for a major share of its annual revenues, the company also continues to expand its reach through acquisitions such as fairlife, new brands or lines like Simply Pop prebiotic soda, or dipping its toe into the world of RTD alcoholic beverages.

In addition to being a key player in its domestic alcoholic drinks market, leading in spirits, Suntory Holdings is the number two player in soft drinks in Japan, holding the top spot in both the RTD tea and bottled water categories. While its international coverage is relatively limited in soft drinks, it has a number of important brands in France and the UK in Europe as well as in Australia and New Zealand.

In 2024, demand for Asian speciality drinks in Germany continues to be driven primarily by off-trade sales, although the category’s presence in the local market is limited. The ongoing economic challenges, including inflation and supply chain disruptions, continue to impact affordability and availability. Many local consumers, unfamiliar with Asian speciality drinks, remain hesitant to try them, particularly if they perceive them as overly artificial. Additionally, the on-trade channel remains u

Taiwan's hot and humid climate, especially during the summer months, has led consumers to reach for natural herbal drinks, including mesons tea, which have gained popularity due to their cooling and soothing effects.

Asian speciality beverages, once confined mainly to small Asian grocery stores, have increasingly found their way onto the shelves of mainstream grocery retailers across New Zealand in 2024. Traditionally, the category had a steady consumer base primarily composed of New Zealand’s substantial Asian population. However, in recent years, the appeal of these drinks has expanded beyond this demographic. Major retail chains like New World and Countdown now feature a range of these products in their i