
Core Viewpoint - The infant formula market is entering a "fertility subsidy" phase, with major companies like Yili, Junlebao, and Feihe announcing substantial subsidies to support pregnant families [1][10]. Group 1: Subsidy Announcements - Yili has launched a 1.6 billion yuan fertility subsidy, providing eligible families with at least 1,600 yuan in benefits, including eight nutritional products and twelve parenting rights [1]. - Junlebao also announced a 1.6 billion yuan subsidy for eligible families, starting from May 15 [9]. - Feihe has committed 1.2 billion yuan in subsidies, with eligible families receiving at least 1,500 yuan starting from early April [1][5]. Group 2: Implementation Differences - Feihe's subsidy process is relatively straightforward, allowing families to receive products quickly after verification [5]. - Yili's process is more complex, requiring participation in offline classes and specific product selection based on timing, which may not meet the immediate needs of families [6][12]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The infant formula market is experiencing a contraction, with Nielsen IQ reporting a 9.8% decline in offline sales in 2024 [11]. - Despite the overall market decline, Yili's infant formula segment has shown a double-digit revenue growth, with a 7.53% increase in total revenue [12]. - Feihe has also reported a 6% revenue growth in 2024, driven by high-end products, particularly the Star Flying series, which saw a 60% increase in sales [14]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The competition among dairy companies is intensifying, with many firms launching fertility subsidies as a promotional strategy [8][10]. - The high profit margins associated with infant formula make it a critical market for dairy companies, with Yili's infant formula segment achieving a gross margin of 41.02% in 2024 [15]. - Companies are expected to continue introducing high-end products to optimize their offerings in response to market conditions [15].