Introduction:Recently, some Luckin Coffee outlets in Guangdong and Chengdu have received new equipment including mash sticks and dicing tools, along with discount coupons for new menu items not listed on their mini-program. This has sparked speculation that the brand may be introducing freshly cut fruit into its drinks. For single-staff-operated stores, how to handle the production pressure and quality control challenges posed by fresh-cut fruit has become a key focus.

In recent years, many tea beverage brands have emphasized the authenticity of their ingredients by incorporating fresh fruit into their fruit tea series. In contrast, Luckin has primarily used fruit syrups and quick-frozen dried fruits, which eliminate the need for washing and chopping but have led some consumers to feel the drinks lack the flavor depth of “freshly made” products.

However, recently, staff at Luckin outlets in places like Guangdong and Chengdu have revealed that they have gradually received new materials such as mash sticks, cut-resistant gloves, and labels indicating a “fruit washer storage area” and “dedicated fruit washing bucket.” These new items do not directly correspond to any currently sold beverages, leading to speculation that the brand may soon launch new products requiring freshly squeezed or cut fruit.

Even more intriguing is that, according to internal order forms, in addition to the aforementioned tools, items such as “dicing tools” and “strawberry hull removers” have also appeared. Although no actual photos of these items have been released, this has already sparked heated discussion. These tools are typically used for handling fresh fruit, suggesting that Luckin may have plans to further adjust its beverage offerings.

Meanwhile, Xiaohongshu users have noticed that Luckin’s mini-program has started offering discount coupons for items not listed on the official menu, such as “Bitter Melon Light Body Fruit & Vegetable Tea” and “Bitter Melon Fruit & Vegetable Americano.” Since these items are not publicly available for purchase but can already be redeemed via coupons, this has further fueled public expectations that the brand will soon introduce a range of fresh fruit-based drinks.

The industry generally believes that if Luckin does introduce freshly cut fruit, it will pose a significant challenge to store operations. Currently, most Luckin outlets operate under a single-staff system, which is already stretched during peak hours. Adding the need to handle freshly cut fruit in real time would not only extend preparation times but also raise the standards for quality control and hygiene management.

Some employees have expressed concern that while larger chain tea beverage outlets, with more abundant staffing, can divide tasks such as fruit washing, cutting, and serving, most Luckin outlets rely on a single staff member to manage the entire process. When faced with a sudden surge in orders, this could easily lead to oversight and even increase the risk of injuries when handling knives.

Additionally, using freshly cut fruit also places higher demands on storage and waste management. Once fruit is sliced, its shelf life is drastically reduced, and outlets must precisely control inventory levels and production pacing to avoid waste and maintain quality.

Based on the tools, discount coupons, and staff feedback that have emerged so far, Luckin may be gearing up for an upgrade to its beverage offerings, attempting to attract consumers with fresh fruit elements. But for frontline store staff, how to manage potentially increased preparation steps while maintaining efficiency and quality control will be a key challenge as the brand rolls out new drinks.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.