Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-05-10 13:25Industry Overview - The Chinese liquor market is currently facing a downturn, as evidenced by the subdued atmosphere at the Chengdu Spring Sugar and Wine Fair, which is typically a vibrant event [1][3] - Attendance at the fair has decreased significantly, with a reported drop of over 20% in foot traffic compared to the previous two years, reflecting the broader challenges in the liquor industry [3][6] Market Dynamics - Major liquor companies like Kweichow Moutai, Wuliangye, and Yanghe have reduced their promotional activities at the fair, indicating a shift in focus amid economic pressures [3][5] - The fair attracted over 6,600 exhibitors and covered an exhibition area of 325,000 square meters, marking a record high in terms of scale, despite the decline in visitor numbers [3][6] Consumer Trends - There is a noticeable trend of consumption downgrade in the liquor market, with high-end liquor demand weakening and inventory piling up [5][6] - Traditional consumer groups, such as those from real estate and finance, have been impacted, prompting premium liquor brands to pivot towards more affordable options [5][6] Competitive Landscape - Leading liquor companies are increasingly focusing on high-cost performance products priced under 100 yuan, which is intensifying competition and squeezing smaller local distilleries [5][6] - The industry is experiencing a consolidation trend, with larger companies gaining market share while smaller firms struggle to survive [6] Financial Performance - In 2024, the production of large-scale liquor enterprises is expected to decline by 1.8%, while sales revenue is projected to reach 796.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.3% [6] - Profit totals are anticipated to rise by 7.76% to 250.9 billion yuan, indicating that while profits are growing, the overall production is decreasing, highlighting the challenges faced by smaller enterprises [6]