Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the three major duck brands in the Chinese snack market, highlighting their struggles with performance, store closures, and the challenges posed by changing consumer preferences and market saturation [4][11]. Group 1: Performance and Market Dynamics - The three major duck brands, Zhou Hei Ya, Jue Wei, and Huang Shang Huang, have seen significant declines in performance, with Jue Wei expected to report a loss of 160 to 220 million yuan in 2025, marking its first annual loss [9][10]. - The market capitalization of these brands has dropped from several hundred billion to only tens of billions [10]. - In the first half of 2025, over 5,300 stores were closed among the three brands, indicating a severe contraction in their retail presence [11]. Group 2: Brand Strategies and Market Positioning - Zhou Hei Ya aimed for a high-end positioning, maintaining a direct sales model and premium pricing, with average transaction values above 60 yuan from 2017 to 2020 [7][18]. - Huang Shang Huang, as the first listed company in the industry, reached a peak revenue of over 2.4 billion yuan in 2020 but has since struggled to maintain its growth trajectory [14][15]. - Jue Wei adopted an aggressive expansion strategy, reaching over 10,000 stores within 14 years, but has faced challenges in profitability and market perception [22][24]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - The rapid growth of the duck snack market has slowed, with the market size expected to reach 157.3 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a drastic decline in growth rate to 3.7% compared to over 15% in previous years [38]. - Consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, with the most common spending range for duck snacks being 20-30 yuan, while the major brands often price their products significantly higher [41]. - The emergence of local brands and new competitors offering lower-priced alternatives has intensified competition, leading to a shift in consumer preferences [49][52]. Group 4: Required Changes for Recovery - To regain market share, the brands need to embrace significant changes, including breaking away from negative perceptions of being overpriced and homogeneous [58]. - Innovations in product offerings and marketing strategies are essential, as seen with Zhou Hei Ya's introduction of a 9.9 yuan snack series and Jue Wei's new product lines [58][60]. - A focus on operational efficiency and cost management is crucial, as the brands must adapt to a more competitive and cost-sensitive market environment [64][66].

走进绝味鸭脖门店时，谢米并没有多想。 柜台里，鸭脖、鸭头、鸭舌堆成小山，颜色鲜亮，看起来依旧是记忆里熟悉的样子。他低头扫了一眼价 签，有些吃惊——150克的鸭脖售价19.8元，160克的鸭锁骨售价18.9元。 他随手点了几样。店员动作很快，夹子一伸，托盘里很快堆起一小堆，谢米赶紧提醒"少抓一点"。 称重、封袋、扫码，一气呵成，直到支付完成，分量并不算多的卤味，总价已经60多元。谢米突然意识 到，自己似乎已经吃不起鸭脖了。 作者｜ 辰夕 编辑｜ 江江 新媒体编辑｜ 宝珠 视觉 | 顾芗 有不少网友反映绝味鸭脖价格偏贵，是"刺客" 后来有一天，他下班经过那条街，那家绝味店已经关门了。卷闸门紧闭，灯牌熄灭。他打开外卖软件， 就连离自己最近的一家，也变成了三公里之外。 这不是谢米的错觉。过去几年，绝味鸭脖正在从很多城市的街头巷尾慢慢消失。 事实上，从2024年中期报以后，绝味不再在财报里公布门店数量。这被外界解读为，其门店收缩的信 号。而根据窄门数据，目前绝味全国共有门店约10713家，距2024年中期财报公布的数字，一年半中间 绝味门店净减少超4000家。 计算下来，绝味在过去的一年半时间里，平均每天，就有7家门店 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging trend of "self-pickup" in the restaurant industry, highlighting its potential as a new growth opportunity that has been underestimated until now [3][10]. Group 1: Consumer Behavior - The "online ordering and in-store pickup" model is becoming a habitual choice for office workers and young consumers, offering benefits such as cost savings, time efficiency, and better food quality [8][12]. - Many young consumers are not only motivated by saving delivery fees but also by the ability to control pickup times and ensure food quality [12][18]. Group 2: Business Opportunities - Some community stores have reported sales increases of up to 10 times, and certain specialty snacks have seen monthly self-pickup orders double, indicating a significant opportunity for businesses [9][40]. - Self-pickup is evolving from a supplementary option to a key strategy for businesses to address growth anxieties and enhance revenue [12][19]. Group 3: Challenges and Solutions - Despite the potential, self-pickup features are often underutilized, with many platforms focusing primarily on delivery and lacking dedicated resources for self-pickup [21][22]. - Some businesses have recognized the need for a new channel that optimizes costs and enhances brand visibility, leading to a shift towards self-pickup functionalities [16][17]. Group 4: Case Studies - A store manager reported that after integrating self-pickup, daily sales surged from over 1,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan, with online orders increasing from around 100 to 800 per month [31][40]. - Another restaurant saw self-pickup orders grow from 20 to over 200 daily, with a significant increase in customer repeat purchases [36][40]. Group 5: Future Implications - The self-pickup model is not just a new channel but a means to foster deeper connections between brands and customers, enhancing trust and loyalty [52][55]. - As self-pickup becomes a habit for more consumers, it could lead to a more integrated local service network, benefiting both platforms and businesses [55][56].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights that 2025 marks a critical turning point for the Chinese marinated food industry, with leading companies like Juewei Foods facing significant challenges, including their first annual loss since going public, indicating a shift from rapid growth to a competitive market focused on existing resources [4][9]. Group 1: Performance of Listed Companies - Juewei Foods has reported a significant decline in performance, with a net reduction of over 4,000 stores from 14,969 in mid-2024 to approximately 10,713 by January 2026, reflecting a substantial contraction [5][6]. - Other leading companies like Zhou Hei Ya and Huang Shang Huang are also closing stores, but they are doing so strategically to optimize operations and improve efficiency, with Zhou Hei Ya closing nearly 600 stores in the first half of 2025 [8][9]. - Huang Shang Huang is projected to achieve a net profit of 70 million to 90 million yuan in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 73.57% to 123.16%, attributed to diversifying its product offerings [8]. Group 2: Market Trends and Challenges - The marinated food market is expected to grow only slightly, with a projected market size of 1,620 billion yuan in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of less than 3%, a significant drop from previous years [4][9]. - The industry is experiencing increased competition from pre-packaged meat snacks and other food categories, which are capturing market share from traditional marinated food chains like Juewei [4][12]. - The lack of product innovation and high prices are major factors contributing to declining sales, with Juewei's products being perceived as expensive compared to community marinated food shops [11][12]. Group 3: Strategic Responses and Future Directions - Companies are responding to market pressures by introducing lower-priced meal packages to attract consumers, with Juewei offering options like a 28 yuan meal set [11]. - The industry is urged to consider international expansion and tap into underdeveloped markets in lower-tier cities, as there remains significant potential for consumer growth [13]. - There is a growing trend towards diversification in product offerings to meet the varied demands of consumers, including targeting specific demographics and occasions [13].

Core Viewpoint - The "Duck Kings" in the marinated food industry, including Zhou Hei Ya, Jue Wei, and Huang Shang Huang, are facing significant challenges as consumer preferences shift, leading to declining sales and store closures. Group 1: Industry Performance - The marinated food industry is experiencing a slowdown, with the market size expected to reach 157.3 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a drastic decline in growth rate to 3.7% compared to over 15% in previous years [17]. - Jue Wei is projected to incur its first annual loss, estimated between 160 million to 220 million yuan in 2025, marking a significant downturn for the company [1][2]. - The three major brands have closed over 5,300 stores in the first half of 2025, indicating a severe contraction in their retail presence [1][2]. Group 2: Company Strategies and Changes - Zhou Hei Ya has shifted its strategy by introducing lower-priced products, such as a 9.9 yuan "satisfying series," to attract younger consumers [29]. - Jue Wei has diversified its offerings by launching new product lines, including a series of snacks and a new cooking method called "first marinate then grill" [29]. - Huang Shang Huang has expanded its business model to include dining options, such as hot marinated dishes and rice, to reposition itself in the market [31]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - Consumer preferences have shifted towards more affordable options, with the most common spending range for marinated food being 20-30 yuan, which contrasts sharply with the higher prices of the "Duck Kings" [19]. - New entrants in the market, such as local brands and snack giants, are capturing consumer interest by offering unique flavors and experiences, further challenging the established brands [25][23]. - The perception of the "Duck Kings" has deteriorated, with consumers viewing them as overpriced and lacking innovation, leading to a decline in brand loyalty [21][29]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Recommendations - To regain market share, the "Duck Kings" need to embrace significant changes, including refining their operations and breaking away from outdated consumer perceptions [28][35]. - Implementing a strategic reserve system for raw materials could help manage cost fluctuations, which is crucial for maintaining profitability [35]. - Focusing on closing underperforming stores and reallocating resources to high-potential locations will be essential for future growth [36].

Core Viewpoint - The leisure food sector experienced a 2.4% increase on February 4, with Wancheng Group leading the gains, while the overall market indices also showed positive movement [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 4102.2, up 0.85% [1]. - The Shenzhen Component Index closed at 14156.27, up 0.21% [1]. Group 2: Individual Stock Performance - Wancheng Group (300972) closed at 209.30, with a rise of 7.33% and a trading volume of 36,300 lots, amounting to 739 million yuan [1]. - Guangzhou Restaurant (603043) closed at 18.15, up 2.83% with a trading volume of 58,500 lots, totaling 10.5 million yuan [1]. - Yanjin Puhui (002847) closed at 69.95, increasing by 2.70% with a trading volume of 49,400 lots, amounting to 344 million yuan [1]. - Other notable stocks include Ximai Food (002956) at 28.12 (+2.18%), Ligao Food (300973) at 44.20 (+2.10%), and Youyou Food (603697) at 13.78 (+2.07%) [1]. Group 3: Capital Flow Analysis - The leisure food sector saw a net outflow of 46.24 million yuan from institutional investors, while retail investors contributed a net inflow of 29.96 million yuan [2]. - Notable individual stock capital flows include Youyou Food with a net outflow of 36.51 million yuan from institutional investors and a net inflow of 3.84 million yuan from retail investors [3]. - Salted Food (002847) experienced a net inflow of 10.05 million yuan from institutional investors, while retail investors had a slight outflow [3].

Core Viewpoint - The "luwei" industry is undergoing significant differentiation and deep adjustment, with major players showing contrasting performance signals amid a backdrop of slowing growth, store reductions, and intensified competition [1] Performance Divergence - ST Juewei (603517.SH) has announced a projected revenue of 5.3 billion to 5.5 billion yuan for 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 12.09% to 15.29%, and expects its first annual loss of 160 million to 220 million yuan [2] - In contrast, Huangshanghuang (002695.SZ) anticipates a net profit of 70 million to 90 million yuan for 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 73.57% to 123.16% [2][3] Store Count Reduction - Despite the increase in net profit for Huangshanghuang and Zhou Hei Ya (1458.HK), both companies are reducing their store counts. Zhou Hei Ya reported a decrease of 167 stores, bringing the total to 2,864 [4] - Huangshanghuang had 2,898 stores as of June 2025, down from 3,660 at the end of 2024 [5] - ST Juewei has seen a net reduction of over 4,000 stores in a year and a half, with approximately 10,713 stores remaining as of February 2026 [5] Industry Challenges - The "luwei" industry is facing severe operational pressures, with a significant slowdown in growth. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2023 was 6.42%, with a market size of approximately 318 billion yuan in 2023 [6] - Key challenges include high prices, reduced consumer willingness, and competition from snacks and ready-to-eat meals, which are impacting the industry's growth [6] - The industry is also experiencing product homogeneity, with 80% of products from the top 10 brands overlapping, leading to concerns about value perception among consumers [6]

Core Viewpoint - The "luwei" (marinated food) industry is undergoing significant differentiation and deep adjustments, with major players showing contrasting performance signals, highlighting the challenges of slowing growth, store reductions, and intensified competition [2][3]. Performance Divergence - ST Juewei (603517.SH) has announced an expected revenue of 5.3 billion to 5.5 billion yuan for 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 12.09% to 15.29%, and anticipates its first annual loss since its listing, estimated between 160 million to 220 million yuan [3]. - In contrast, Huang Shang Huang (002695.SZ) forecasts a net profit of 70 million to 90 million yuan for 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 73.57% to 123.16% [4]. Store Count Reduction - Despite the increase in net profit for Huang Shang Huang and Zhou Hei Ya (1458.HK), both companies are reducing their store counts. Zhou Hei Ya reported a decrease of 167 stores, bringing the total to 2,864 by mid-2025 [5]. - Huang Shang Huang had 2,898 stores in June 2025, down from 3,660 at the end of 2024 [6]. Industry Challenges - The overall growth of the "luwei" industry is hindered by several factors, including high prices, changing consumer willingness, and competition from snacks and ready-to-eat meals [7]. - The industry is experiencing a slowdown, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.42% from 2018 to 2023, and a market size of approximately 318 billion yuan in 2023 [6]. Market Dynamics - The industry faces three main pain points: competition from alternative products, product homogeneity among top brands, and pricing issues where leading brands have an average product price exceeding 50 yuan per jin, leading to insufficient perceived value among consumers [7].

Core Viewpoint - The "luwei" (marinated food) industry is undergoing significant differentiation and deep adjustments, with major players showing contrasting performance signals amid a backdrop of slowing growth and intensified competition [3]. Performance Divergence - ST Juewei (603517.SH) has announced an expected revenue of 5.3 billion to 5.5 billion yuan for 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 12.09% to 15.29%. This marks the company's first annual loss since its listing, with an anticipated loss of 160 million to 220 million yuan [5]. - In contrast, Huang Shang Huang (002695.SZ) forecasts a net profit of 70 million to 90 million yuan for 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 73.57% to 123.16% [6]. - Zhou Hei Ya (1458.HK) has not yet released its full-year earnings forecast, but its mid-2025 report indicates total revenue of 1.223 billion yuan, a decrease of 2.9%, while net profit rose by 228% to 108 million yuan [7]. Store Count Reduction - Despite Zhou Hei Ya's profit increase and Huang Shang Huang's strong performance, both companies are reducing their store counts. Zhou Hei Ya closed 167 stores, bringing its total to 2,864 by mid-2025 [9]. - Huang Shang Huang reported a decrease in store count from 3,660 at the end of 2024 to 2,898 in June 2025 [10]. - ST Juewei has not disclosed its store count in recent reports, but it is estimated to have reduced over 4,000 stores in a year and a half, with approximately 10,713 stores remaining as of February 2026 [10]. Industry Challenges - The growth of the "luwei" industry is facing challenges due to a decline in consumer willingness, high prices, and competition from snacks and ready-to-eat meals. This has led to major companies closing inefficient stores and exploring transformation strategies [3][11]. - The overall market growth rate for the marinated food industry has slowed, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.42% from 2018 to 2023, and a market size of approximately 318 billion yuan in 2023 [10]. - Key pain points in the industry include competition from alternative products, product homogeneity among top brands, and pricing issues, with leading brands averaging over 50 yuan per kilogram, leading to a perceived lack of value among consumers [11].

Core Viewpoint - The "luwei" industry is undergoing significant differentiation and deep adjustments, with major players showing contrasting performance signals amid a backdrop of slowing growth and intensified competition [2] Performance Divergence - ST Juewei (603517.SH) has announced an expected revenue of 5.3 billion to 5.5 billion yuan for 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 12.09% to 15.29%, and anticipates its first annual loss since its listing, estimating a loss of 160 million to 220 million yuan [3] - In contrast, Huangshanghuang (002695.SZ) forecasts a net profit of 70 million to 90 million yuan for 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 73.57% to 123.16% [4] Store Count Reduction - Despite the increase in net profit for Huangshanghuang and ST Juewei, both companies are reducing their store counts. Huangshanghuang had 2,898 stores in June 2025, down from 3,660 at the end of 2024 [6] - ST Juewei has seen a net reduction of over 4,000 stores in a year and a half, with approximately 10,713 stores remaining as of February 2026 [6] Industry Challenges - The overall "luwei" industry is facing challenges such as product homogenization, high prices, and changing consumer willingness, leading to the closure of inefficient stores and a search for transformation among leading companies [2][7] - The industry growth has slowed significantly, with a CAGR of 6.42% from 2018 to 2023, and the market size reaching approximately 318 billion yuan in 2023 [6] Competitive Landscape - The industry is experiencing threats from alternative products, including snacks and hot pot brands, which are encroaching on the "luwei" market [7] - There is a high degree of product overlap among the top 10 brands, with 80% of their offerings being similar, leading to concerns about pricing and consumer value perception [7]