May 2026 — Industry data shows China’s nitrogenated coffee and beverage market is in rapid expansion, with the 2026 market size projected at CNY 1.63 billion, up 27.3% year-on-year.

On the production side, leading brands accelerate layout: Tsingtao Brewery launched China’s first fully automated nitrogenated beverage filling line in Q4 2025 with an annual capacity of 52,000 tons; China Resources Beverage completed technical upgrades at its Guangzhou base, adding 38,000 tons of annual capacity. On the standard side, GB/T 43283-2023 (Quality Requirements for Food-Grade Nitrogen) is fully implemented, phasing out outdated equipment and concentrating the industry among enterprises with food-grade liquid nitrogen supply chain capabilities.

Brand moves are frequent: In May 2026, COSTA Coffee officially launched Nitro Cold Brew in Shanghai stores. Using 20-hour low-temperature slow extraction + high-pressure nitrogen infusion, it creates Guinness-like dense foam and a smooth mouthfeel. Local brands are also active, with RTD canned nitro coffee becoming a new favorite in convenience stores and supermarkets.