Why Douyin RED (Xiaohongshu) Is a Must for F&B Marketing in UK's Competitive Market

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the UK’s food and beverage (F&B) market is not only competitive—it’s also becoming increasingly global. With international students, Chinese tourists, and local UK consumers embracing Asian food trends more than ever, platforms like Douyin (Chinese TikTok) and Xiaohongshu (RED) are no longer optional. They are essential tools for F&B marketing success.

And if you’re in the F&B space in the UK, there’s never been a better time to leverage these platforms—especially with rising Google trends like "Chinese food near me", showing consistent interest and demand for authentic experiences.

Let’s explore why Douyin and Xiaohongshu (RED) are crucial, who should manage these platforms, and how SODA Global, a trusted agency, can unlock growth for your business.

📈 A Trending Shift: The Rise of “Chinese Food Near Me”

One of the top trending Google searches in the UK’s food space today is “Chinese food near me”. It reflects a broader trend—Chinese cuisine and food culture are booming in popularity, fueled by younger generations, global students, and social media influencers.

These searchers aren’t just looking for traditional takeout—they’re craving authentic, Instagram-worthy, and story-rich experiences, the kind of content that thrives on Douyin and Xiaohongshu.

🔥 Why Douyin and Xiaohongshu F&B Marketing Is a Must for Food & Beverage Brands in the UK

Douyin and Xiaohongshu aren’t just platforms—they are ecosystems of influence, trust, and trend creation. Here's why they’re indispensable for F&B marketing in the UK:

1. Direct Access to the Chinese-Speaking Audience in the UK

Whether it’s Chinese international students, tourists, or expatriates, Douyin and RED are daily essentials. By using Douyin and Xiaohongshu F&B marketing in the UK, businesses can directly target and build loyalty with this high-spending, trend-sensitive segment.

2. Visual-First Platforms Perfect for Food Content

Food is visual, and both platforms thrive on mouthwatering content. Short videos on Douyin showcase preparation and atmosphere, while Xiaohongshu focuses on detailed reviews and lifestyle aesthetics—making them ideal for restaurant marketing, menu launches, and behind-the-scenes storytelling.

3. High Trust & Authentic Engagement

Users on Xiaohongshu rely heavily on peer recommendations. A well-curated review or vlog from a micro-influencer on RED can lead to a surge in reservations or foot traffic, especially among students and tourists planning their outings through the app.

4. Boosted Discoverability Through Platform Algorithms

Both platforms have advanced algorithms that amplify high-engagement content. That viral noodle-pulling video or dumpling folding behind-the-scenes? With the right creative strategy, it could easily hit millions of views, reaching a broader audience than traditional marketing.

5. Bridge Online-to-Offline (O2O) Experiences

Douyin and Xiaohongshu are not just for brand awareness—they drive direct footfall. Many users in the UK use them as decision-making tools. A strong presence on these platforms can influence real-world purchases in your café, restaurant, or food event.

👩‍💼 Who Should Manage Douyin & Xiaohongshu for Your F&B Brand?

Success on these platforms isn’t just about translating content—it’s about understanding cultural nuance, content rhythm, platform algorithms, and user psychology.

The ideal Douyin & RED manager should be:

• Bilingual or natively fluent in Chinese and English

• Deeply familiar with both UK and Chinese food culture

• Skilled in short-form video editing, influencer relations, and campaign planning

• Capable of real-time community engagement and trend adaptation

This is where many UK F&B brands struggle—they lack the internal expertise to execute properly on these platforms.

💼 How SODA Global Can Help You Succeed

That’s where SODA Global comes in.

As a specialized agency with a cross-border marketing focus, SODA Global helps F&B businesses in the UK launch, grow, and dominate on Douyin and Xiaohongshu with tailored strategies and native-level execution.

What SODA Global Offers:

✅ End-to-End Account Setup & Management From registering your brand's official RED or Douyin presence to crafting a complete visual identity aligned with platform norms.

✅ Influencer & KOL Collaborations SODA Global works with a network of trusted food influencers who already command loyal audiences. One campaign can ignite awareness across London’s Chinese foodie scene.

✅ Content Creation & Video Production We don’t just translate—we localize and stylize. Our creative team delivers stunning visuals, reels, and posts that stand out.

✅ Data-Driven Campaign Optimization You’ll receive performance reports with actionable insights. Every campaign is continuously optimized for higher ROI.

✅ Local & Cross-Border Integration We connect your online presence to your real-world store, reservations, or delivery service—turning views into real sales.

📣 Let’s Take Your F&B Brand Global – Starting with the UK

As the UK market becomes more culturally diverse, tapping into Chinese-speaking audiences through Douyin and Xiaohongshu is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical.

Whether you're a hotpot restaurant in Manchester, a bubble tea shop in London, or launching a new Asian fusion brand, SODA Global is your expert partner.

Let us help you:

• Grow your visibility on Douyin & RED

• Drive more foot traffic and orders

• Connect with high-value international audiences

• Stay ahead of local and global food trends

📬 Ready to Elevate Your F&B Brand?

Reach out to SODA Global today to get your customized Douyin and Xiaohongshu strategy.