Everyone carrying a drink is a common sight on the streets.
The hand-shaken beverage market has dramatically changed due to continuously innovating flavors that firmly capture consumers’ taste buds. It is estimated that Taiwanese consumers drink hundreds of millions of hand-shaken beverages annually, largely replacing canned and bottled drinks and becoming the mainstream choice. To some extent, it has even become a trend, driving a huge packaging business opportunity.

RiiXing Industrial is the largest domestic supplier of hand-shaken drink containers, producing various types of paper cups. Eighty percent of their products are PLA containers primarily for export, with Europe accounting for 30% of this share. General Manager Pan Wei-Chih observes that Taiwan’s famous bubble tea owes its global reputation to the strong innovation capabilities of its operators. For example, in their diverse tea product lines, ingredients like fruit, pearls, konjac, and nata de coco are added, with new products launched every season, continuously igniting consumers’ desire to try new flavors and experiences.

RiiXing’s Digivivid digital printed paper cups can be produced with as few as 1,000 units. (Provided by RiiXing)

Pan emphasizes that freshly brewed and prepared drinks taste better, which is a major reason for the popularity of hand-shaken beverages. Freshly made convenience store coffee now outsells canned, foil-packaged, and bottled coffee, explaining why hand-shaken beverage shops are everywhere and remain an undefeated, thriving industry.

Due to fierce competition, operators not only focus on new flavor innovations but also brand management. Chain stores face great pressure. Statistics show many operators run fewer than five stores, yet still perform well without the resources of large groups. RiiXing’s paper cups have a coverage rate exceeding 70% in the non-chain market. Pan analyzes that these businesses commonly emphasize visual brand communication, using cup printing to showcase their company and beverage characteristics.

Clever design combined with exquisite digital printing on paper cups stimulates customers’ purchase desire and enhances brand value. (Provided by RiiXing)

RiiXing’s proprietary digital printing technology offers precise color accuracy and high saturation, fully expressing the artistic beauty of patterns and texts. They also accept small flexible orders. Traditionally, hand-shaken beverage container orders required tens of thousands of units, but RiiXing’s Digivivid requires only 1,000 units to start production.

The rise of independent specialty stores has increased demands on paper cup quality, a market RiiXing is optimistic about. For instance, popular influencer-endorsed coffee shops with strong reputations attract loyal fans willing to pay premium prices. RiiXing is dedicated to this unique blue ocean market by delivering fast, high-quality printing and providing design support. Pan notes that during seasonal events or promotions, RiiXing can provide comprehensive services to meet the demand for new cup designs.

Hand-shaken beverages not only vary in flavor but also require meticulous printing quality on paper cups. (Provided by RiiXing)

For half a century, RiiXing began with PLA cups. In response to government environmental regulations,  they started producing paper cups for the domestic market. After reacquiring related equipment, the production line is fully ready, and domestic and overseas sales will ramp up next year. Corporate orders form another important market segment. When hosting guests, events, or exhibitions, companies prefer customized paper cups printed with their name, logo, or product information, which subtly achieves effective brand promotion and is increasingly popular.

Pan reveals that they are currently producing samples for an international luxury brand, and similar proactive corporate inquiries have increased to hundreds, most becoming long-term clients.