24 February 2026 | 12:16AM HKT Equity Research China Consumer Staples: LNY expert calls: Spirits: Moutai/Wuliangye pivoting to recovery path; Dairy saw disciplined pricing yet unexciting On Feb 23, we hosted an expert call with a large spirits and F&B distributor located in Hunan province. Key highlights: 1) Spirits: Feitian Moutai volume/pricing topped expectations during the CNY period in the expert's region, with Feitian Moutai spirits retail sales volume up >20% yoy offsetting shipment control on non-st ...

23 February 2026 | 1:39AM HKT Equity Research China Spirits Tracker: 2026 LNY retail sales slightly better than expected; Resilient super premium with Moutai/Wuliangye LNY consumption sentiments: Pax mobility: The pax mobility for LNY holiday (Feb 15 - 21), up by c.9% yoy and the whole Chunyun window recorded 5.3bn (Feb 2-20). Strong homecoming flows translated into robust on-premise activity: daily average sales of key retail and catering enterprises rose +10.6% yoy over the first two holiday days (MOFCOM) ...

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]

来源：江苏经济报 来源：江苏经济报 ...

Core Viewpoint - The food and beverage sector is experiencing a downturn, with the Huabao Food and Beverage ETF (515710) declining by 1.19% as of the close on February 12, 2026, reflecting weak performance in key stocks like liquor and consumer goods [1][8]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Huabao Food and Beverage ETF opened weakly and continued to fluctuate at low levels, closing down 1.19% [1][8]. - Key stocks in the sector, including Jinhe Industrial, Gujing Gongjiu, and Wuliangye, saw declines of over 2%, while major brands like Kweichow Moutai and Yanghe also fell by more than 1% [1][8]. Group 2: Liquor Pricing Trends - The price of Feitian Moutai has been rising, with the latest reported prices on February 12, 2026, showing the original box price at 1,700 yuan and the loose bottle price at 1,660 yuan [3][10]. - The liquor industry is showing a divergence in performance, with demand concentrating on leading brands, particularly Kweichow Moutai, which is benefiting from marketing reforms and strong customer engagement through the iMoutai app [3][10]. Group 3: Industry Outlook - Analysts predict that the liquor channel has reached a bottom, with expectations for a rebound post-Spring Festival, marking a favorable time for annual investment [4][11]. - The industry is currently at a low valuation, with the Huabao ETF's price-to-earnings ratio at 20.58, placing it in the 9.2% percentile of the last decade, indicating a potential opportunity for long-term investment [3][11]. Group 4: Investment Strategy - The Huabao Food and Beverage ETF is recommended for investors, with approximately 60% of its portfolio allocated to leading high-end and mid-range liquor brands, and nearly 40% to other segments like beverages and dairy [5][11]. - The ETF provides a way for investors to access core assets in the food and beverage sector, with a focus on companies with strong performance and dividend potential [4][11].

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].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Shui Jing Fang (600779), confirmed that there are no undisclosed significant information regarding major events such as asset restructuring, share issuance, or major transactions as of the current date [1] Group 1 - The company responded to investor inquiries on its interactive platform [1] - The company has communicated with its controlling shareholder, Sichuan Chengdu Shui Jing Fang Group Co., Ltd., and its actual controller, Diageo, regarding the status of disclosures [1] - There are no significant matters pending disclosure, including but not limited to major asset restructuring, share issuance, major transactions, business restructuring, share buybacks, bankruptcy reorganization, major business cooperation, or introduction of strategic investors [1]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the liquor industry [5] Core Insights - The liquor industry is currently at the bottom of its cycle, with the "opening red" sales expected to remain under pressure year-on-year, while brand differentiation is evident. Positive feedback from high-end liquor is significantly boosting market confidence, and a shift in style and improved expectations may catalyze liquor stock prices [2][6] Summary by Sections Market Overview - The liquor market is experiencing a deep adjustment, with sales and revenue expected to decline throughout the year. However, there are signs of marginal improvement starting from Q4 2025, with high-end brands like Moutai and Wuliangye leading the market [6] High-End Liquor Performance - High-end liquor brands are showing resilience, with Moutai and Wuliangye implementing strategies to stabilize prices and enhance channel profits. Moutai's sales performance has improved, with significant user engagement and order volume [6][7] Stock Recommendations - The report recommends stocks with price elasticity, including Guizhou Moutai, Wuliangye, and Luzhou Laojiao, as well as other brands like Shanxi Fenjiu and Yingjia Gongjiu, which are expected to clear inventory [6][7] Future Outlook - The liquor industry is believed to be at the bottom of its current cycle, with potential catalysts for stock prices including improvements in sales, price increases, and inventory reduction. Positive signals from policy changes could further enhance market sentiment [6][7]

Group 1 - The stock of Huangtai Liquor Industry has hit the daily limit down, indicating significant market distress [1] - Shede Liquor, Jiugui Liquor, and Jinhui Liquor have all seen declines exceeding 3%, reflecting a broader downturn in the sector [1] - Other companies such as Gujing Gongjiu, Jinzizijiu, Jinshiyuan, and Shui Jing Fang have also experienced declines, suggesting a widespread negative sentiment in the liquor industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the new low-alcohol product "Zhenxin Zhenyi Qingyang 29°" by Shuijingfang aims to meet the evolving social needs of consumers, particularly the younger generation, who are seeking meaningful connections and quality experiences in their social interactions [5][12][25]. Group 1: Product Launch and Features - Shuijingfang introduced "Zhenxin Zhenyi Qingyang 29°" at an event on February 3, emphasizing its alignment with modern consumer demands and the brand's 600-year brewing heritage [5][6][12]. - The product features a unique bottle design that symbolizes renewal and warmth, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and innovation [6][21]. - The new low-alcohol beverage is designed to cater to various social settings, such as gatherings and outdoor activities, providing a refined choice for consumers who value quality interactions [12][21]. Group 2: Strategic Partnership with JD.com - Shuijingfang has deepened its collaboration with JD.com, a trusted platform for consumers purchasing premium liquor, enhancing the distribution and accessibility of its products [9][12][33]. - Since the partnership began in 2014, Shuijingfang's sales on JD.com have seen significant growth, surpassing 200 million yuan in 2023 [12][33]. - The collaboration aims to leverage JD.com's extensive user base and logistics capabilities to ensure timely delivery and quality assurance for consumers [33]. Group 3: Consumer Insights and Market Trends - Recent consumer research indicates a shift among younger individuals towards deeper relationships, prioritizing quality over quantity in social interactions [16][29]. - The product "Zhenxin Zhenyi Qingyang 29°" is a response to this trend, designed to facilitate intimate gatherings and meaningful conversations [16][29]. - The brand's approach reflects a broader industry trend of adapting to new consumer preferences, focusing on emotional connections and quality experiences [25][29].