As health consciousness rises, consumers are increasingly seeking effective weight management solutions. With a significant gap in the market for natural and scientifically supported beverages, Xiao Guanqi, a seasoned professional in the beverage sector, has launched a unique tea product, “Hejian” Lotus Leaf Tea, aimed at addressing this need. By merging traditional medicinal principles with modern scientific validation, Hejian is poised to redefine the functional tea drink landscape while initiating its first round of funding to fuel expansion.
Market Pain Points: The Urgent Need for Weight Management is Prominent, and There is a Gap in Medicinal and Edible Tea Drinks
As consumers become more health-aware, the demand for weight management has shifted from seeking “quick fixes” to a preference for “scientific body slimming”. However, the market currently has significant shortcomings. On the one hand, numerous functional drinks rely heavily on chemical additives, contradicting the trend toward natural health. On the other hand, traditional medicinal and edible ingredients lack adequate productization. Specifically, despite the fat-reducing properties of lotus leaves, standardized tea drink products are virtually absent in the market.
Xiao Guanqi identified this opportunity, having previously managed a substantial market while working with China Red Bull. Upon returning to his hometown, he noticed the absence of pure lotus leaf tea. The health benefits of lotus leaves are well acknowledged, making them a fitting solution for modern weight management needs. Research indicates that around 34.3% of Chinese adults are overweight, and 16.4% are classified as obese, revealing a vast audience with an urgent need for efficient and healthy weight management solutions, positioning “Hejian” well within the market.
From an industry perspective, the Chinese beverage sector is experiencing structural growth centered on health. By 2025, the market is anticipated to reach between 1.5 trillion and 1.6 trillion yuan, with an annual compound growth rate of approximately 8.5%. Tea drinks stand out as the second-largest category, accounting for 21% of the market, while healthier sub-categories such as sugar-free and plant-based beverages are outperforming with growth rates exceeding 30%. Functional herbal tea drinks have reached a market scale of nearly 100 billion yuan, surfacing as a pivotal growth driver. A three-year strategy dubbed the “Year of Weight Management” has been introduced, creating favorable conditions for functional drinks supported by scientific evidence.
Product Breakthrough: 0 – Additive Formula + Scientific Endorsement to Build Differentiated Competitiveness
Addressing market gaps, “Hejian” emphasizes the principles of “natural, scientific, and convenient” as its foundation for establishing unique advantages. The flagship product, a 245ml canned lotus leaf tea, highlights its “0-additive” formula, which excludes preservatives, flavorings, and colors. The tea is composed solely of high-quality lotus leaves and a small selection of natural herbs, including poria cocos and coix seeds, providing transparency in ingredients and aligning with consumer preferences for healthy beverages.
To bolster product credibility, “Hejian” undertook essential scientific validation during its launch phase. In September 2025, the project secured a zebrafish experiment report from an AAALAC-accredited laboratory (Hangzhou Huante Biotechnology), demonstrating a significant reduction in fat accumulation. This scientific validation supports the core claims of “relieving greasiness after meals and scientifically aiding weight loss”, creating a robust foundation for compliant marketing. This element of credibility sets “Hejian” apart, establishing a barrier against competitors who may rely more on generalized claims.
Concerning product design and planning, the tea comes in a three-piece tinplate design with a sturdy, portable packaging that boasts an 18-month shelf life for the sugar-free variant. This design caters to various scenarios, from dining to snacking. Future plans involve introducing a series of variants themed around “lotus leaf +”—including products for cooling, digestion enhancement, and dampness reduction—as well as a range of packaging styles, including aluminum cans and PET bottled drinks, to fulfill diverse consumer needs and channel requirements. Furthermore, the project has registered multiple categories under the “Hejian” trademark. The product packaging is pursuing design patents and copyrights, while the core formula is set to apply for a national invention patent to ensure comprehensive intellectual property protection.
Channel Layout and Market Verification: Focusing on Model Areas, Initially Showing Growth Potential
“Hejian” implements a hybrid business strategy combining “regional agency + online direct sales” for comprehensive channel coverage, showcasing innovations in terminal scenario development. Offline, a substantial 80% of resources are directed to the Changsha model market, primarily focusing on Class B restaurants and above (covering hot pot, barbecue, and Hunan cuisine) within key business districts. By bundling offers such as the “Spicy Companion Package” (lotus leaf tea paired with spicy snacks), “Hejian” effectively positions itself in post-meal scenarios, making it easier for consumers to understand its benefits. Currently, around 400 terminals have been established in Changsha, achieving a sales turnover rate of approximately 30% with 33 repeat customers. Meanwhile, in Guangxi, the brand is targeting transportation channels, especially highway service areas and is in discussions with major oil companies like PetroChina, Sinopec, and CNOOC for partnerships.
Online, “Hejian” is available on seven major e-commerce platforms, establishing a cycle of “offline scenario engagement + online word-of-mouth promotion”, which has begun to confirm market acceptance.
The proficiency of the team has been a critical asset in advancing the project’s progress. Founder Xiao Guanqi brings over 20 years of experience from the Red Bull beverage sector, having successfully launched numerous products across different regions. He possesses expertise in sales, marketing, and channel management. The organization has developed a specialized team proficient in strategic decision-making, operational execution, online business, and regional expansion. Additionally, a weekly review process is in place to swiftly adjust strategies based on sales performance for optimal operational efficiency.
Financing Plan and Future Planning: Accelerating the Implementation of Model Areas and Promoting National Expansion
To strengthen market positioning and accelerate growth, “Hejian” has initiated a new financing round. The goal is to raise 5 million yuan for a 10% stake, with a proposed collaboration period exceeding three years. The raised funds will primarily focus on three key areas: 60% will support market and channel development, particularly within the Changsha model market, enhancing terminal outlets, executing promotional activities, and refining channel operations with the aim of establishing over 3,000 core outlets in Changsha. 30% will be allocated for team growth and operational enhancements, focusing on attracting vital talent in channel development, investment promotion, and online operations while also replenishing working capital. The final 10% is designated for product evolution and supply chain improvements, advancing research into new flavors, packaging innovations like bottled drinks, connecting with new manufacturers, and building cloud warehouses to optimize supply chain efficiency.
Strategically, “Hejian” has established a clear and achievable development plan: in the short term (2026), focus will remain on the Changsha market, targeting direct sales of 5 million yuan with an annual goal of 10 million yuan, maintaining a core outlet turnover rate above 30%, and accumulating 30,000 private users. In the medium term (2027), the aim is to achieve 15 million yuan in sales while replicating Changsha’s successes to extend reach into neighboring provinces, targeting total sales exceeding 20 million yuan. Long-term (2028) plans include gradual nationwide expansion, refining organizational and management structures, and establishing a leading healthy drink brand.
As competition intensifies within the healthy beverage sector, “Hejian” is carving out its niche in functional tea drinks with precise scenario targeting, scientific product validation, experienced channel insights, and a clear growth trajectory. This financing round will provide crucial support for its development in model markets and facilitate national expansion, making its future endeavors worthy of attention from both the industry and investors.
Key Takeaways
- Consumer preferences are shifting towards scientifically supported weight management solutions.
- Xiao Guanqi’s “Hejian” Lotus Leaf Tea addresses a significant market gap for natural functional beverages.
- The product features a 0-additive formula with a solid scientific foundation for verified efficacy.
- Plans for future expansion include diverse product variants and comprehensive market strategies.
- Ongoing financing aims to solidify market presence and foster national growth.
FAQ
What is “Hejian” Lotus Leaf Tea?
“Hejian” Lotus Leaf Tea is a beverage designed for weight management, utilizing high-quality lotus leaves and natural herbs without any additives.
How is the product validated for effectiveness?
The product has undergone scientific testing that demonstrated its ability to reduce fat accumulation, providing a credible endorsement of its claims.
What are the future plans for “Hejian” products?
Future product lines will include variations focusing on different benefits, such as digestion and cooling, alongside diverse packaging approaches.
Where can I purchase “Hejian” Lotus Leaf Tea?
The tea is available on multiple e-commerce platforms and at select offline locations in targeted markets.
