Tropical Fruits Spark a New Trend in the Global Beverage Market

The influence of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang experiencing peach tea in Beijing has created a massive ripple effect, translating into impressive sales for Mixue. According to Global Times, the oolong peach tea category, renamed 'Boss' Favorite,' saw sales jump nearly 140% compared to the previous day. This event resonated globally, confirming peach as a highlight tropical flavor for the summer of 2026. The global beverage industry is shifting significantly toward natural and health-conscious flavors.

Data from Innova Market Insights indicates a 23% annual growth in new beverage products featuring tropical fruits since 2020. A prime example is Starbucks, which launched the 'Pink Cannon Ball Drink' in the U.S., a blend of creamy coconut milk, mango dragonfruit, and strawberry Açaí. Previously, similar products also received positive feedback in Canada.

In the UK, Kantar Worldpanel data shows bananas are the most popular fruit, with the average adult consuming over 80 per year. Banana-based recipes from experts like Emily English and TikTok's 'Smoothie_guy' are dominating social media. Meanwhile, in South Korea, banana milk at Incheon Airport is constantly selling out, with convenience chain CU reporting sales of up to 1,400 bottles on weekends, confirming the appeal of its 80% fresh milk content combined with the signature banana flavor.

In the Chinese market, the trend of blending coffee with fruit and coconut milk is opening significant opportunities for Thai exporters. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce notes high potential in supplying durian and coconut in pureed or frozen forms. This is a crucial strategy to add value to secondary-grade produce.

Vietnam is increasingly establishing itself in the global value chain through its ability to supply fruit year-round from key regions like the Mekong Delta and the Southeast. In the domestic market, chains such as The Coffee House with their Orange Lemongrass Cold Brew or Katinat with unique fruit tea offerings are creating a wave of localized consumption. Creative innovations, such as Starbucks Vietnam's Ube Coffee or the fruit tea variations at smaller shops, demonstrate the power of leveraging local ingredients in the digital era.