It started with a simple snapshot: BLACKPINK’s Lisa, cruising in a red Ferrari, a vibrant matcha drink from HEYTEA casually perched beside her. Little did the K-pop star know, that unassuming photo would set off a chain reaction, turning a single beverage into a worldwide obsession and cementing HEYTEA’s status as a global lifestyle icon. What followed wasn’t just social media buzz—it was a full-blown cultural moment, with fans and trendsetters alike scrambling to get their hands on the now-legendary “Lisa drink.”
The viral wave was unavoidable. With over 100 million Instagram followers, Lisa’s post spread like wildfire across platforms: TikTok videos recreated the Ferrari-and-tea vibe, X threads debated the drink’s ingredients, and Chinese apps like Weibo and Douyin saw #LisaHeytea dominate trending charts for days. It wasn’t long before the image became synonymous with summer 2025, a perfect blend of luxury (Ferrari) and everyday indulgence (HEYTEA) that resonated with audiences worldwide.
HEYTEA moved swiftly to meet the demand. On July 25, the brand launched a global buy-one-get-one-free deal for its signature matcha lineup, including the velvety Triple Supreme Matcha Latte, frothy Cloud Matcha Latte, and refreshing Cloud Coconut Blue. Available in over 4,000 stores across 330 cities—from Beijing to Boston, Sydney to Seoul—the promotion sparked unprecedented chaos. Lines stretched around city blocks, stores sold out within hours, and some fans waited two hours just to taste the drink that had taken the internet by storm. It was a masterclass in turning viral momentum into real-world sales.
But Lisa’s impact goes beyond short-term spikes. Her unintentional endorsement elevated HEYTEA from a beverage brand to a key player in global style and wellness conversations. Suddenly, sipping HEYTEA matcha wasn’t just about flavor—it was a statement, a way to align with a lifestyle that blends luxury, health, and trendiness. This fits perfectly with HEYTEA’s long-term strategy, which has already made it a favorite among celebrities: K-pop stars like Lee Hye-ri and Kang Seul Gi, NBA star Paul George (who tried the “California Sunset” at a California pop-up), and influencers flocking to New York’s SoHo for the “Metabloom” drink, a collaboration with alexanderwang that became a seasonal hit.
Founded in a humble alley in China, HEYTEA has come a long way since revolutionizing tea with its original Cheese Tea. Today, with 150 million members and a presence in countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, it’s redefining tea culture for a new generation. Its stores are more than just shops—they’re immersive experiences. London’s British Museum location features a striking black-and-white ink theme; Melbourne’s outpost is a serene laneway teahouse; Seoul’s Myeongdong store draws inspiration from flowing water and mountains, creating a tranquil escape. The 2025 launch of its TEA LAB flagship in New York’s Times Square, blending futuristic design with traditional Chinese tea rituals, underscores its commitment to merging innovation with heritage.
Matcha, long celebrated for its health benefits, has found a modern twist in HEYTEA’s hands. By combining finely ground green tea with rich textures, layered flavors, and Instagram-worthy presentation, the brand has turned a centuries-old ingredient into a must-have for millennials and trendsetters. Lisa’s photo may have been the spark, but it’s HEYTEA’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary flair that’s keeping the matcha craze alive.
As 2025 unfolds, HEYTEA’s journey from local tea shop to global icon is a testament to its vision: tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a symbol of community, style, and experience. And with Lisa’s Ferrari moment, that symbol has only grown stronger, proving that in today’s connected world, a single photo can change everything.
