Investment Rating - The food and beverage industry is rated as stable for 2025 and 2026 [1] Core Insights - The food and beverage industry in China includes various sub-industries such as agriculture, food processing, and beverage manufacturing, closely linked to economic development, population structure, and consumer preferences. Despite ongoing economic pressures and weak consumer demand, the industry continues to grow, although revenue growth rates are declining and profitability is weakening [1][6] - The agricultural sector shows a steady increase in grain planting area and production, with major crops like rice, wheat, and corn maintaining a balance between supply and demand. However, some crop prices are under pressure due to supply-demand dynamics and international trade conditions [24][25] - The food manufacturing sector is experiencing stable growth, with overall profitability remaining flat. The industry is characterized by increasing fixed asset investments and a slight increase in total assets [52][53] Summary by Sections 1. Industry Performance - The food and beverage industry has a total asset value of 8.42 trillion yuan at the end of 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 3.59%. The industry’s revenue for 2024 is 9.07 trillion yuan, showing a slight decline of 0.20% year-on-year [7][11] - By the end of September 2025, the industry’s total assets increased to 8.61 trillion yuan, with a revenue of 6.71 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.75% [7][11] 2. Agricultural Sector - The agricultural sector's total output value reached 162,787.5 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 2.7%. The grain planting area for 2024 and 2025 is projected to be 11,931.9 million hectares and 11,940.9 million hectares, respectively [24][25] - Grain production is expected to increase, with total grain output for 2024 and 2025 estimated at 70.65 million tons and 71.49 million tons, respectively [27] 3. Feed Industry - The feed industry is experiencing growth in production, influenced by the recovery of the livestock sector. The total industrial feed production for 2024 is 31,503.1 million tons, showing a year-on-year decline of 2.1% [45] - The feed prices are expected to remain low due to fluctuations in raw material prices and weak downstream demand [49] 4. Food Manufacturing - The food manufacturing sector continues to grow, with total assets reaching 2.41 trillion yuan by September 2025, reflecting a 4% increase year-on-year. The revenue for the first three quarters of 2025 is 1.63 trillion yuan, with a slight decrease in profit margins [52][53] 5. Livestock Industry - The livestock sector is under pressure, with pork prices gradually declining. The production of beef is increasing, while sheep meat production is decreasing due to weak demand [56][58] - The overall production of meat is expected to grow, with pork production for 2024 and 2025 estimated at 5,706.03 million tons and 5,938 million tons, respectively [58]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call on China Consumer Staples: Spirits and Dairy Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the spirits and dairy sectors in China, particularly in the Hunan province, highlighting the performance of major brands like Moutai, Wuliangye, and Mengniu. Spirits Sector Moutai - Feitian Moutai's retail sales volume increased by over 20% year-on-year during the Chinese New Year (CNY) period, exceeding expectations despite shipment controls on non-standard SKUs [1][9] - Moutai 1935 showed mild growth, outperforming other products in the Moutai series [1][9] - The wholesale price of Feitian Moutai rose to approximately Rmb1,700, with channel inventory remaining stable at around 0.5 months [1][9] - The expert anticipates that Moutai could bottom out around mid-2026 if retail sales momentum remains strong [2][6] Wuliangye - Common Wuliangye experienced mid-single-digit percentage retail volume growth in early February, gaining market share from Guojiao 1573 due to enhanced affordability [1][9] - The effective ex-factory price for Common Wuliangye decreased to around Rmb810, with expectations of further reductions [1][9] - The company achieved a 40% prepayment target by the end of CNY, although this pace is slightly slower than the previous year [1][9] Luzhou Laojiao - Guojiao 1573's retail volume dropped by approximately 30% during the CNY period, facing challenges in maintaining wholesale price stability [1][8] - Luzhou Laojiao is under pressure to stabilize prices amid declining demand [2][6] Other Brands - Brands like Fen Wine, Yanghe, Jiugui, and Shede saw broad-based sales declines of 15-20% [1][14] - Fen Wine's Qinghua series experienced a low-teens percentage decline, while Bofen remained slightly positive [1][14] Dairy Sector - Both Yili and Mengniu reported positive sell-in shipments during January, but holiday sell-through saw a slight decline due to weakening gifting demand [1][12] - Premium products like Satine and Deluxe outperformed basic white milk, indicating a shift in consumer preference [1][12] - Mengniu's sales decline narrowed to low-single digits compared to low-teens last year, aided by a lower comparison base [1][12] - The expert remains cautious about 2026 full-year sell-in targets, suggesting a more realistic outlook of flat to -5% for Yili and +6% for Mengniu [1][12] Beverages Sector - Nongfu's small-pack water and sugar-free tea registered high-single-digit percentage sell-through growth, while large-pack volume doubled due to strong promotions [1][13] - CR Beverages and Wahaha experienced declines in water sales, indicating competitive pressures [1][13] - Eastroc is on track to meet its 20% sales growth target, with energy drinks growing just under 15% [1][16] Inventory and Prepayment Insights - Moutai and Wuliangye maintain low channel inventories of 0.5 to 1 month, while other upper-mid-end brands face over 2.5 months of inventory [1][11] - Prepayment progress for various brands is lagging behind last year, with Wuliangye and Laojiao showing slower prepayment paces [1][14] Conclusion - The spirits sector shows a divergence in performance, with Moutai leading and Wuliangye following, while other brands face significant challenges. The dairy sector is experiencing a shift towards premium products, and the beverage sector is consolidating with strong growth from Nongfu. Overall, cautious optimism is noted for the upcoming periods, with varying recovery timelines across brands.

Group 1 - Industry Investment Rating: Buy [2] - Previous Rating: Buy [2] - Report Date: February 24, 2026 [2] Group 2 - Core Viewpoint: The report summarizes feedback from six liquor distributors across five provinces regarding the sales performance of liquor during the Spring Festival, indicating a narrowing decline in sales of famous liquor compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival. The C-end scenarios, such as banquets, performed well with an upgrade trend, while B-end scenarios are still recovering [6][9][14] - Feedback from Henan liquor distributors indicates that Moutai and Wuliangye are leading in sales, with Moutai's return rate exceeding 35% and Wuliangye's at 30%. There is a trend of consumers concentrating on famous liquor across different price ranges [6][9] - In Shandong, Fenjiu is performing well in the mid-range segment, with a reported sales growth of approximately 8% during the Spring Festival [10] - In Anhui, the wedding market showed strong performance, particularly in the 200 CNY price range, which is experiencing growth [11] - Jiangsu distributors reported a mixed performance, with strong sales at both ends of the market but weakness in the mid-range, indicating a systemic price-driven volume increase [13] - In Sichuan, overall sales volume is expected to decline by 8% and sales amount by 15%, with personal and gift consumption performing better than expected [13] Group 3 - Investment Recommendations: For liquor, the sector is expected to enter a new development cycle in 2026 after four years of adjustment. Key recommendations include Luzhou Laojiao, Shanxi Fenjiu, Shede Liquor, Guizhou Moutai, Jianshe Liquor, and Gujing Gongjiu. For consumer goods, the industry is expected to see a moderate price increase in 2026, with opportunities in new products and channels. Key recommendations include Anjoy Food, Lihua Food, Angel Yeast, Yanjing Beer, Qianhe Flavor Industry, Dongpeng Beverage, New Dairy, Guoquan, and Tianwei Food [14]

Investment Rating - The report rates the industry as "Buy" [5] Core Insights - The 2026 Spring Festival consumption exceeded expectations, with service consumption leading the growth, driven by a significant increase in dining and travel demand [2][7] - The report highlights a notable recovery in the travel sector, with an expected total of 9.5 billion people traveling during the Spring Festival, marking a historical high [10][12] - The report emphasizes the importance of quality and experience in consumer spending, with a shift towards premium products and services [7][19] Summary by Sections 1. Spring Festival Consumption Trends - The Spring Festival holiday from February 15 to 23, 2026, saw a "good start" in consumption, with key retail and dining enterprises reporting a 10.6% increase in average daily sales compared to the same period in 2025 [10][22] - The first four days of the holiday recorded an 8.6% increase in average daily sales for key retail and dining enterprises compared to the previous year [10][19] - Government initiatives, including a 20.5 billion yuan fund for consumer subsidies, significantly boosted consumer spending [11][10] 2. Baijiu (Chinese Liquor) Market - The Baijiu market showed signs of improvement, with a narrowing decline compared to previous major holidays, although brand differentiation became more pronounced [27][30] - High-end Baijiu brands like Moutai and Wuliangye continued to lead the market, with a focus on price elasticity and rational consumer behavior [27][30] - The report identifies three key changes in the Baijiu market: increased importance of personal consumption, a more relaxed approach from manufacturers regarding sales targets, and improved channel sentiment [30][31] 3. Snack and Food Market - The snack market is expected to benefit from an extended peak season, with a longer preparation and sales cycle compared to 2025 [33][34] - Offline channels, particularly membership-based supermarkets and discount stores, are performing better than online channels, with significant growth in sales during the holiday period [34][35] - The report notes a diversification in snack offerings, with strong performance in high-quality nut gift boxes and innovative packaging strategies enhancing brand visibility [35][36]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Buy" indicating an expected performance that will exceed the market by more than 10% over the next 12 months [27]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the Chinese liquor market, particularly in Chengdu, is showing signs of recovery as the Spring Festival approaches, with increased sales velocity for major brands like Guojiao and Wuliangye [6][8]. - The seasoning market is also experiencing improved sales, with brands like Qianhe and Haitian gaining market share, and promotional activities increasing in supermarkets [11][12]. - The report suggests a positive outlook for the liquor sector in 2026, with recommendations for key stocks including Luzhou Laojiao, Shanxi Fenjiu, and Kweichow Moutai among others [2][4]. Summary by Sections Chengdu Liquor Market Tracking - Sales velocity for Wuliangye and Guojiao has accelerated as the Spring Festival approaches, with Wuliangye's current batch price at 790 CNY per bottle and Guojiao at 850 CNY per bottle [7][9]. - Feedback from distributors indicates that inventory levels are healthy, with a focus on maintaining good stock levels to avoid excess [8][9]. Chengdu Seasoning Market Tracking - Soy sauce sales have improved year-on-year, with Qianhe and Haitian leading in market share, and promotional activities in supermarkets have increased significantly [11][12]. - The overall health of inventory levels in the seasoning market is noted, with major brands maintaining shorter inventory ages, indicating strong sales performance [11][15]. Investment Recommendations - For the liquor sector, the report recommends stocks such as Luzhou Laojiao, Shanxi Fenjiu, and Kweichow Moutai, anticipating a new growth cycle starting in 2026 [2][4]. - In the consumer goods sector, companies like Anjuke Foods and Yanjing Beer are highlighted as having potential for outperforming the market due to new products and channels [2][4].

Core Viewpoint - The overall sales of liquor during the Spring Festival period are expected to decline by 8%, which is better than previous pessimistic forecasts, with varying performance across different consumption categories [1]. Group 1: Consumption Environment - The Spring Festival sales have fully commenced, with an overall expected decline of 8% in liquor sales during this period [1]. - Gift consumption (mass premium) is expected to see slight growth, while business consumption is projected to decline by 20% [1]. - Residential consumption is expected to remain flat with slight growth, and government consumption is anticipated to drop by 90% [1]. Group 2: Company Performance - **Kweichow Moutai**: The return of funds for the March flying Moutai is not fully completed, with zero inventory and low channel stocking willingness, focusing more on turnover rates. The post-holiday price is expected to stabilize at 1550 yuan [1]. - **Wuliangye**: Current shipments are up by 30% year-on-year, with sales performance showing a 10% increase compared to the previous year [1]. - **Luzhou Laojiao**: The current return progress for Guojiao 1573 is at 35%, with approximately three months of inventory. However, both shipment and sales are down by over 30% and 25% respectively, despite stable pricing [1]. - **Honghua Lang**: Currently, sales are up by 9% year-on-year [2]. - **Jian Nan Chun**: Sales are flat year-on-year [2]. - **Shede and Shui Jing Fang**: Both brands have seen slight declines despite low base comparisons [2].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the news highlights the poor performance of liquor and consumer goods stocks, with significant declines in companies like Lianhua Holdings and Gujing Gongjiu, impacting the overall sector [1] - The wholesale price of Moutai liquor has increased, with the 2026 original box price rising by 25 yuan to 1715 yuan per bottle, while the 2025 original box price also saw a similar increase [2][3] - The food and beverage sector is currently at a historical low in terms of valuation, suggesting a potential good entry point for investments, with the food and beverage ETF's price-to-earnings ratio at 20.58 times, which is in the 9.2% percentile of the last decade [3] Group 2 - Analysts expect improvements in supply and demand relationships across various sub-sectors in 2026, with a clearer recovery in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), indicating a potential bottoming out for traditional consumption sectors [3] - The food and beverage sector is seen as a crucial part of domestic demand, with government policies aimed at boosting consumption and expanding domestic demand expected to positively impact the sector [3] - The food and beverage ETF is heavily weighted towards leading high-end and mid-range liquor stocks, with approximately 60% of its portfolio allocated to these companies, including major brands like Moutai and Wuliangye [3]

Core Viewpoint - The food and beverage sector experienced a significant pullback on February 10, with the Huabao Food and Beverage ETF (515710) declining by 1.17% by the end of the trading day, primarily driven by substantial losses in the liquor segment, particularly among major brands like Guizhou Moutai and others [1][3]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Huabao Food and Beverage ETF opened weakly and showed low-level fluctuations throughout the day, closing down 1.17% [1]. - Major liquor stocks such as Jiu Gui Jiu fell by 3.35%, while Shanxi Fenjiu, Luzhou Laojiao, and Shede Liquor dropped over 2%, with Guizhou Moutai and Yanghe Co. also declining more than 1% [1][2]. Group 2: Upcoming Product Launch - The official announcement from "i Moutai" indicated that the 53-degree 500ml Guizhou Moutai liquor (Bingwu Year) will be available for sale from February 10 to February 16, with limited quantities [2][3]. - The product launch is strategically timed to capture gift-giving and collection demands during the Spring Festival, which is expected to boost direct sales and gross margins for Moutai [3]. Group 3: Valuation Insights - Analysts noted that the food and beverage sector is currently at a historical low in terms of valuation, making it an attractive time for investment [3]. - As of February 9, the price-to-earnings ratio for the Huabao ETF's underlying index was 20.85, placing it in the 11.55% percentile of the last decade, indicating a favorable long-term investment opportunity [3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Dongfang Securities suggested that the liquor channel may be at a turning point, with expectations of performance improvement in the upcoming quarterly reports, marking a potential investment window for the sector [4]. - Galaxy Securities projected that supply-demand dynamics across various sub-sectors will improve by 2026, with traditional consumption benefiting from a recovery in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) [4]. Group 5: Investment Strategy - The Huabao Food and Beverage ETF is positioned to track the sub-sector index, with approximately 60% of its portfolio allocated to leading high-end and mid-range liquor brands, while the remaining 40% includes leaders in beverages, dairy, and condiments [5]. - Investors can also consider the Huabao Food and Beverage ETF linked funds for exposure to core assets in the food and beverage sector [5].

Group 1 - The liquor index experienced a decline of 2.02% during the trading session on February 10 [2] - Huangtai Liquor Company saw a drop of over 6% in its stock price [2] - Other companies such as Jinhui Liquor, Jiugui Liquor, Shede Liquor, and Luzhou Laojiao all reported declines exceeding 2% [2]

Core Viewpoints - The recent focus on the liquor sector has increased, with significant price movements observed, but there remains considerable disagreement regarding the sustainability and potential of this price increase, with some investors viewing it as merely a rebound [7][14] - The current rise in the liquor sector is attributed to several factors, including the proximity of stock prices to historical lows, a significant increase in the price of Moutai, and a general recovery in consumer confidence [7][15][17] - The liquor sector is expected to enter a reversal phase in 2026, differing from the previous three years where post-holiday sales did not sustain momentum [21][26] Liquor Sector Analysis - The liquor sector has seen a price increase due to the stock prices nearing the "924" low point, with the current index at 41366, just 2% above the lowest point recorded in September 2024 [15] - Moutai's price has risen to approximately 1700 CNY, reflecting a more than 15% increase over the past month, which has bolstered market confidence in its future performance [17][19] - The recovery in consumer confidence is linked to rising real estate transactions in major cities, which is expected to positively impact liquor demand [17][19] Industry Data Tracking - The food and beverage sector experienced a 4.3% increase in stock prices from February 2 to February 6, outperforming the CSI 300 index by 5.6 percentage points [36] - Within the sector, liquor and soft drinks led the gains, with increases of 5.3% and 4.7% respectively, while other categories like health products saw declines [36][40] - The current PE-TTM for the food and beverage sector is 22.2X, while the liquor sector stands at 19.5X, indicating relative valuations of 1.58 and 1.38 times compared to the CSI 300 [49][55] Price Tracking - As of February 6, the price for a bottle of Moutai was 1610 CNY, down 40 CNY from the previous week, while the price for a case was 1660 CNY, down 50 CNY [56] - The price for other major brands like Wuliangye and Guojiao1573 remained stable, indicating a cautious market outlook for the liquor sector [56][29] Investment Recommendations - The liquor sector is anticipated to enter a new growth cycle in 2026, with key recommendations including Luzhou Laojiao, Shanxi Fenjiu, and Kweichow Moutai [7][36] - For consumer goods, a moderate price increase is expected in 2026, with a focus on new products and channels providing opportunities for individual stocks [7][36]