(Yicai Global) Aug. 12 -- Zhongxuegao, a Chinese brand dubbed the ‘Hermès of ice cream’ for its premium prices, unveiled a new coffee pop-up product in nearly 600 cafés in China today that will be on sale through Aug. 25.

In one partner café, a collaborative beverage with Zhongxuegao’s ice cream to which customers could add coffee themselves was priced at CNY45 (USD6.70). A staffer said the item will only be available for a short time. 

Founded in Shanghai in 2018, Zhongxuegao started collaborating with independent coffee shops in Shanghai in June last year. The products included a blend of Zhongxuegao’s almond and yogurt-flavored ice cream with cold-brew coffee, while others added Japanese probiotic milk beverage Yakult or jasmine green tea.

Adding ice cream to coffee has become increasingly popular in China. Dongbei Daban previously brought out a coconut latte in partnership with Yongpu Coffee and Nestle also debuted a Cappuccino-flavored ice cream. 

China’s ice cream market was worth CNY147 billion (USD21.8 billion) in 2020 and likely surpassed CNY160 billion last year, making it the world’s largest, according to data from Qianzhan Industry Research Institute. 

Given the burgeoning market, ice cream makers have been innovating flavors, appearance, and ingredients, Zhongxuegao’s latest pop-up product aims to attract consumers that were previously more interested in coffee products. 

Editor: Tom Litting