Weekend Long Read: The Human Toll of China’s Beverage Boom

(Sixth Tone) — Sweat drips down Ke Hui’s face as the relentless beep of new orders fills the cramped coffee chain shop. It’s only 8:30 a.m., but orders are piling up fast. He has just two minutes to prepare each drink, and cameras track his every move. Any delay could result in a reprimand — or worse, a cut in pay.

For thousands of workers in China’s booming, billion-dollar beverage industry, where speed is everything and mistakes come at a cost, this is the daily grind.