Chinese Hamburger Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Chicken Burger & Beef Burger), By Downstream Industry (Online & Offline), and Regional Forecast to 2033

Last Updated: 17 January 2025

CHINESE HAMBURGER MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Chinese Hamburger Market size was USD 950.17 million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 2887.42 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.14% during the forecast period.

The Chinese hamburger market has a relatively developed hamburger market, which is continuously increasing year by year and constitutes an expanding field of the food industry. Chinese hamburgers, also known as rousiamo, are examples of traditional Asian street foods that offer smooth, rich flavors, an exquisite blend of textures, and an earthy, delicious taste, making them delicacies of intentional value to both domestic and foreign consumers. Due to growing urbanization and preferences of global food standards, this market has grown to include the contemporary derivatives while retaining a very traditional feel. Therefore, the hamburger market in China is still expanding its consumers and new brands, which leads to the constant growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Chinese Hamburger Industry Had a Negative Effect Due to Lockdown Measures during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The Chinese hamburger market deteriorated during COVID-19 as lockdown measures increased, CA utilization decreased, and reduced movement restricted operations from street food sellers and restaurant chains alike. Some of these impacts include the shutdown of operations for most business enterprises, especially temporarily, while others experienced interruptions in supplies of most of their raw materials and ingredients, thus slowing down their production processes. These factors were enough to bring the consumer confidence down, and also health issues also dissuaded people from eating out. Consequently, the market witnessed a decline in sales and growth mainly owing to mini, conventional stores.

LATEST TREND

"Market grows with healthier, vegetarian, and sustainable trends"

The Chinese hamburger market has been incorporating several contemporary influences, including takeaway foods, alternative ingredient preparation, and healthy foods. A worthy note is the proliferation of healthier/vegetarian forms of traditional ‘roujiamo’ as consumers become more sensitive to nutritional content and impact on the environment. Increasing numbers of clients who pay attention to their health are forcing many restaurants to add plant-based proteins or cut the amount of processed foods. This shift is handy towards reshaping the market and, at the same time, preserving the cultural context of the market.

CHINESE HAMBURGER MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Chicken Burger & Beef Burger

• Chicken burgers: The Chinese hamburger market has taken market share on the grounds that chicken is slimmer compared to other meats. compared to other meats. The local fast-food chains, as well as the ordinary food sellers, have come up with a sundry of chicken burgers, which they have complemented with different Chinese spices. Increased consciousness on the part of people to eat lean meat in contrast to beef has also fueled the demand for chicken burgers. Ground beef burgers are still offered in the Chinese hamburger market to give a dominantly tasty flavor that corresponds to the Chinese palate. near nature of chicken compared to other meats. Fast-food chains and local vendors alike have introduced various chicken burger options, often incorporating unique Chinese flavors and spices. The trend towards healthier eating has further driven demand for chicken burgers as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Beef Burger: Beef burgers remain a staple in the Chinese hamburger market, offering rich, savory flavors that appeal to traditional tastes. Although such factors as high beef prices remain a challenge, many restaurants introduce new offers: premium beef cuts and regional spice mixes. Beef burgers are also often served with other Chinese ingredients that correspond to the fast food burger look and taste.The online part of the Chinese hamburger market has expanded due to services like Meituan and Ele.me that have made the delivery of burgers easy and convenient. There are numerous burgers that the consumer can choose from; most of the restaurants offer the customers online deals and promotions. The increase in delivery also led to more delivery-only ‘ghost kitchens’ to optimize the burgers’ reach.

By Application

Based on Downstream Industry, the global market can be categorized into Online & Offline

• Online: The online segment of the Chinese hamburger market has seen rapid growth, driven by the popularity of food delivery platforms like Meituan and Ele.me. Consumers can conveniently order from a wide range of burger options, with many restaurants offering exclusive online deals and promotions. The rise in digital ordering has also led to an increase in delivery-only "ghost kitchens," streamlining operations and reaching more customers.
• Offline: Certainly, the offline sales have stayed firm in the Chinese hamburger marketplace through street foods and take-off hamburger joints. A new generation of local brands maintains the focus on the authentic flavors of the product in its flagship “roujiamo” and the different types of burgers that provide a complete dining experience. However, the paper has found that the offline outlets still have a great importance in strengthening the people’s connections with the brands due to the online ordering facility. Selected industry stakeholders, such as McDonald's, Burger King, and other local and regional outlets, are fostering the growth of the Chinese hamburger market through innovation and localization.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.  

Driving Factors

"Shifting consumer demands drive market growth and innovation"

Consumers from China are becoming more demanding and looking for convenient and multiple meal choices while the new generations are demanding more hamburgers. This demographic counts over fast, highly accessible food that can easily be diversified to accommodate the diverse preferences. In the same manner, the presence and expansion of internationally recognized fast foods and increased craze for western foods are some reasons why burgers are popular in China. It continues by adding that the combination of traditional Chinese seasonings with the Western burger’s ideas has continued to diversify the market. As a result, shifting consumer demands remain the primary forces that have continued to drive change and resulting Chinese hamburger market growth.

"Online food delivery services drive market growth "

The customers also prefer to order foods online, so the Chinese hamburger market has expanded due to food delivery services. Apps such as Meituan, Ele.me, and many other delivery apps for food allow consumers to get various burgers directly at their residential or working places. Bits of this convenience have made more people buy hamburgers, especially during a typical working day or at hours when undertaking a meal out cannot be easily contemplated. The demand for no-contact delivery has increased, and the growth of virtual kitchens has also helped to increase the market. Consequently, the delivery model has become a strategic player in the market.

Restraining Factor

"Market growth is limited by competition from traditional Chinese food preferences"

The factor that has been considered as a limitation in the industry is the cutthroat competition from established native Chinese meals and local delicacies. However, consumers always stick to the traditional local meal, such as baozi, jianbing, and roujiamo, even though the burger’ market in China is gradually expanding. Hamburgers are not able to get a better market share because of the low cost and the conventionality of traditional foods. Furthermore, a traditional Chinese meal employs fresh local produce, which has been a thorn in the side of fast foods. Thus, the Chinese hamburger market is held back from achieving greater success by deeply ingrained local eating traditions.

Opportunity

"Health-conscious trends and plant-based options drive market growth in China"

The Chinese hamburger market faces the challenge of increasing demand for healthier products, especially those plant-based alternatives. Going further, as people start paying more attention to their health and environment, the addition of plant-based proteins and organic components to regular burgers will result in higher sales. To bottom it up, this shift could also attract those who are in the process of making a transition from being a vegetarian or vegan but have not completely eliminated meat from their diets. The ability to extend capability, including by positioning burgers as a healthy food that also includes low-fat and low-calorie options, can fit with current trends in China. Also, marketing for such products in urban areas, as health trends are more prevalent, supports market growth. Thus, such increasing needs can help the Chinese hamburger market grasp another rapidly emerging segment. A key problem of the Chinese hamburger market is increasing food costs and problems related to the supply chain.

Challenge

"Rising costs and supply chain issues challenge market growth in China"

 A significant challenge faced by the Chinese hamburger market is the rising cost of ingredients and supply chain disruptions. The majority of burger players import meat, specifically beef, use high-quality buns, and offer functional ingredients, which are sensitive to price changes as well as supply shocks. These cost increments result in increased charges on the items offered or else make it hard to sustain low prices for price-sensitive consumers. At the same time, shifts in global supply chains and supply chain networks, including supply chain interruptions following the pandemic, have also made sourcing and delivery even more challenging. For these reasons, small and independent vendors are the most vulnerable to these conditions.To overcome this challenge, there is a need to source creatively and operate to maintain market competitiveness. North America leads in the application of tendencies in the Chinese hamburger market through the participation of the primary fast-food chains, global approximation of the burger culture, and the guarantee of availability.

CHINESE HAMBURGER MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North American fast-food giants drive market growth through adaptation in China

 North America, particularly through the influence of fast-food giants, dominates the Chinese hamburger market by introducing global trends, standardizing the burger experience, and ensuring widespread availability. Most fast food companies from the USA, like McDonald's and Burger King, dominate the major Chinese cities and have set the pace on what the Chinese consider as fast food. The big advantage of the United States Chinese hamburger market is that the company adapts regional tastes into the global concepts of the menu, which will be quite appealing to the Chinese public.

• Europe

European fast-casual brands drive market growth through diversified, quality burgers

Europe helps the growth of the Chinese hamburger market in terms of differentiated and better burgers based on differentiated and superior ingredients and recipes. Food chains from Europe also focus on quality burgers and other edible creatures with Asian fusion ideas that will delight the Chinese palate of the experimental foodie. Also, it is noteworthy that the fast-growing European fast-casual dining brands also place increasing emphasis on the diversification of burgers in China. It also breaks market stagnation and raises the level of consumption among consumers in the dining sector.

•  Asia

Asian influences drive market growth with regional flavors and innovations

Asia holds remarkable Chinese hamburger market share is initiated with regional localization particularities. Japanese and South Korean burgers have left their mark on the market, and one may find teriyaki burgers or spicy burgers with kimchi. These adaptations include the use of regional spices, condiments, and preparation techniques, which would make the burger more appealing to the consumers. Furthermore, new burger concepts by Asian fast-casual chains also leveled up the market’s variety over the years. This cultural fusion makes it easier for burgers to interlace into China’s changing eating trends. Hence, Asian influence prevails in both ingot and ambiance concerns in the Chinese hamburger market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Big players drive market growth with localized options and convenience"

Current market big players include McDonald's, Burger King, and many local fast food players, who are the ones that are influencing this China hamburger market by changing and adapting. Some of the advantages include: They bring more localized options, maintain standardization, and pander to the increasingly popular trend of convenience with delivery systems. Nevertheless, their market strategies, such as low prices for the food and a large variety of menu services, draw a large base of consumers, thus enhancing the growth of the market.

LIST OF TOP CHINESE HAMBURGER COMPANIES

• Dicos (China)
• Kenweiting (China)
• Wallace (China)
• Baker Burger (US)
• Ranxiong (UK)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

August 2023: the Chinese hamburger market experienced a notable industrial development with the introduction of health-focused innovations by regional street food vendors and small-scale restaurant chains. Recognizing the shift in consumer preferences toward healthier eating post-pandemic, leading brands like Roujiamo Delight introduced whole-grain buns and plant-based protein fillings in traditional Roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers). This initiative aimed to attract health-conscious younger consumers while preserving the authentic flavors of the dish. Additionally, the integration of digital platforms for delivery services, such as partnerships with apps like Meituan and Ele.me, increased accessibility and visibility for these vendors. Some companies also explored frozen, ready-to-eat Roujiamo products for retail, creating a new avenue for domestic and international sales. This hybrid approach of traditional preparation and modern convenience has reignited growth in the market and positioned the Chinese hamburger as a versatile food option in evolving dietary landscapes.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential application that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.