明治中国董事总经理长森克史：复苏计划正按既定节奏推进

Core Viewpoint - Meiji China is advancing its business recovery plan by focusing on product development to achieve high value-added operations, despite facing ongoing losses in a competitive dairy market [1][6]. Group 1: Business Challenges - Meiji China has struggled to achieve profitability due to intense competition in the dairy market and changing consumer behavior, leading to ongoing losses [1][2]. - The company reported a net sales increase to 24.3 billion yen in the 2023 fiscal year, but operating profit fell to -3.7 billion yen, with further declines expected in the 2024 fiscal year [4]. - The Australian subsidiary, Aoyama Group, in which Meiji holds a 25% stake, reported significant losses due to rising feed prices and declining raw milk prices, impacting Meiji's overall financial performance [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Meiji China is undergoing a business restructuring that includes discontinuing unprofitable products and reevaluating non-performing channels to improve profitability [2][6]. - The company plans to launch several strategic new products, such as "Meiji Zhenhao Milk" and "Swirl Ice Cream," to enhance its market position against local low-cost competitors [6][8]. - Meiji Group's 2024 fiscal year strategy includes expanding product offerings, particularly functional and locally tailored products, and strengthening its sales force in key regions [5][6]. Group 3: Market Positioning - Meiji aims to maintain a high-end market position despite competitive pressures, focusing on product differentiation and consumer engagement through various promotional strategies [6][7]. - The company is implementing pricing strategies that consider technological investments and market acceptance, with plans to assess product potential in lower-tier markets [7][8].