Beverage chains expand overseas footprint

Several Chinese brands, including Mixue Group, Chagee and Heytea, have already made inroads into international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia

Modern China Tea Shop, a leading Chinese-style tea drink brand, is marking its first step into the international market — but not through its signature brick- and-mortar tea houses.

Instead, the company is opting for a digital-first strategy, launching a portfolio of retail products on e-commerce platforms in North America.

On July 9, the company said it would begin selling cultural and lifestyle products in the United States and Canada through a series of online channels, including its own Shopify store and third-party platforms such as Amazon, TikTok, Walmart and Weee.