By Azka Kamil – Business & Franchise Correspondent
January 15, 2026 — Zhengzhou, China / Global — What began nearly three decades ago as a humble ice cream stall in central China has exploded into one of the world’s largest fast-food brands, with tens of thousands of outlets spanning Asia, Oceania, and now North America. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Once a small venture in Zhengzhou’s university district, Mixue Bingcheng — known internationally simply as Mixue Ice Cream & Tea — has disrupted the global beverage and snack industry with its ultra-affordable menu and aggressive franchise model. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
From Local Treat to Global Empire
Founded in 1997 by entrepreneur Zhang Hongchao, Mixue started with soft-serve ice cream sold at rock-bottom prices to students and local residents. (Encyclopedia Britannica) Over the next two decades, the company adopted a franchising strategy focused on low costs and high volume — a formula that propelled rapid expansion across China and, eventually, overseas. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Today, Mixue’s presence dwarfs many legacy brands, with a network of more than 45,000 stores worldwide — exceeding the global footprint of giants like McDonald’s and Starbucks. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
In 2026, Mixue officially entered the United States market, opening flagship locations in New York City and Los Angeles, drawing long lines and widespread media attention. (Food & Wine)
Business Model: Volume, Value & Supply Chain Control
Unlike premium beverage chains, Mixue’s core strategy revolves around “extreme affordability” — selling items such as soft-serve ice cream for under $1 and fruit teas for just a few dollars. (WorldReview1989)
At the heart of its success is a vertically integrated supply chain: Mixue owns production facilities for core ingredients and centralizes logistics to keep costs low. The company earns most of its revenue not from direct store sales, but from supplying materials to franchisees. (WorldReview1989)
Key Strategic Pillars
| Strategy | Impact |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low pricing | Drives frequent customer visits and mass appeal |
| Franchise-first growth | Enables rapid global expansion |
| Centralized supply chain | Reduces cost of goods and improves quality control |
| Viral branding | Snow King mascot enhances global recognition |
Global Footprint & Expansion
Mixue’s international growth has been swift. The brand expanded into Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian markets before moving into Australia and later the United States. (Wikipedia)
According to industry reports, the company has also invested in trademark protection in over 90 global markets through systems like the Madrid System for international brand protection. (WIPO)
Financial Performance & Market Reception
In early 2025, Mixue completed its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising substantial capital and boosting its public profile. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Industry coverage highlights robust financial performance, with significant revenue and profit growth attributed to strong global demand for its affordable beverages and snacks. (Wall Street Journal)
Criticism and Operational Challenges
Despite its success, Mixue faces ongoing scrutiny. Critics point to concerns about quality control consistency across franchises, the sustainability of ultra-low pricing in inflationary markets, and employee labor practices. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Consumer discussions online reflect mixed perceptions: some praise Mixue’s value proposition, while others question the quality of ingredients or health implications. (Reddit)
Mixue by the Numbers
| Metric | Data / Status |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997, Zhengzhou, China |
| Stores Worldwide | >45,000 outlets (2025) (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| IPO | Hong Kong Stock Exchange, 2025 (Encyclopedia Britannica) |
| Markets Served | China, SEA, Australia, U.S., more (Wikipedia) |
| Signature Products | Ice cream, bubble tea, fruit drinks |
Looking Ahead
Mixue’s entry into the U.S. market — coupled with plans for further global expansion — signals its ambition to challenge established Western chains by competing on price, scale, and local adaptation. (The Washington Post)
Whether this strategy will sustain long-term growth in highly competitive markets remains a central question for analysts and investors alike.
Related Links
Mixue History & Business Model — Encyclopaedia Britannica Mixue | History, Products, Expansion, & Key Facts
Global Trademark Strategy — WIPO Article Mixue Ice Cream and Tea: From China’s Streets to Global Fast‑Food Giant
U.S. Market Review — Food & Wine The World's Largest Fast‑Food Chain Just Landed in the US