International Instant Retailers Experience Growth in China

International retail giants such as L'Oréal and Coca-Cola have reported robust growth in their operations within China, indicating a strong resurgence in consumer confidence and demand. Recent fiscal reports from several international companies in the instant retail sector highlight their continued success in one of the world's largest consumer markets.

On a recent Friday, L'Oréal disclosed that its sales reached 44.05 billion euros, equivalent to approximately 52.25 billion dollars, as of December 31, 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 4.0 percent. The company attributed its growth primarily to the Chinese mainland, where sales growth has transitioned from low to mid-single digits, benefiting from stabilizing market conditions.

Unilever Plc also reported noticeable improvements in its sales within China during the second half of the previous fiscal year, particularly emphasizing mid-single-digit growth in the fourth quarter. CEO Fernando Fernandez acknowledged the company's strategic adjustments to their operations in both China and Indonesia, which have started to pay off with favorable market trends.

The Coca-Cola Company announced its earnings for the fourth quarter and the full year on February 10, revealing net operating revenues of 47.941 billion dollars, a 2 percent increase year-on-year. Particularly noteworthy was China's return to growth, marked by contributions from the second half of the fiscal year.

Experts suggest that the performance of these international players is indicative of broader consumer confidence in China. Hu Qimu, deputy secretary-general of the Forum 50 for Digital-Real Economies Integration, emphasized that the instant retail sector illustrates a direct correlation between product performance and consumer sentiment as markets begin recovering.

Additionally, Hu highlighted that the rising performance of these companies reflects the Chinese government's commitment to rejuvenating consumption and addressing market dynamics. Authorities have implemented various measures aimed at unleashing the consumption potential, a vital factor for sustainable economic growth.

Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao reaffirmed the country’s strategy to enhance consumption while promoting high-standard market openings to support its high-quality development. He pointed out that China's massive population of over 1.4 billion people provides a significant market advantage, with continuously evolving consumer needs creating abundant opportunities.

Wang emphasized the need for ongoing initiatives to promote consumption, ensuring that citizens can derive more tangible benefits. Official data further substantiates this narrative, revealing that China's total retail sales surpassed 50 trillion yuan for the first time in 2025, marking a 3.7 percent increase from the previous year.

Within the services sector, retail sales saw an impressive increase of 5.5 percent year-on-year, with notable double-digit growth in areas such as culture, leisure, tourism, and transport services. This diversification highlights the dynamic nature of China's consumer landscape.

Multinational corporations, like Mondelēz, remain optimistic about their future prospects in China, citing strong economic resilience, evolving consumer demands, and an increasingly conducive business environment. President Joost Vlaanderen acknowledged this context and confirmed the company's commitment to growing alongside Chinese consumers.

As the country prepares for the bustling consumption period of the Chinese New Year, Mondelēz has already launched culturally themed festive gift boxes, illustrating their adaptability to local customs and preferences. Coca-Cola’s Executive Vice President, Henrique Braun, also reiterated their strategic focus on long-term growth in China, underscoring the market's importance in their global operations.