钟薛高子公司被申请破产 网红冰淇淋生存困局待解

Core Viewpoint - The ice cream brand Zhong Xue Gao is facing significant operational challenges, including a bankruptcy application for its subsidiary, which highlights its financial difficulties and declining market presence [1][2]. Company Overview - Zhong Xue Gao was established in 2018 and quickly gained popularity with its high-end ice cream products, achieving over 1 billion yuan in revenue in its first year and surpassing 10 billion yuan in sales by 2021 [2]. - The brand's pricing strategy included products priced above 10 yuan, with some limited editions reaching as high as 88 yuan per unit [2]. Financial and Operational Challenges - The company has encountered a series of crises since 2022, including public relations issues, salary arrears, and employee turnover, leading to a significant reduction in its operational scale [2][3]. - The number of distributors has decreased from over 580 at its peak to just over 100, indicating a severe contraction in its distribution network [2]. - The current product offerings on its official online store have shrunk to only three flavors, down from over 20 SKUs previously available [3]. Market Position and Competition - Experts suggest that Zhong Xue Gao's struggles stem from its inability to maintain its premium brand image amid increasing competition and a shift towards more rational consumer spending [4][6]. - The brand's high pricing strategy is becoming unsustainable as the market for high-priced ice cream is shrinking, with only 15.16% of the market share for products priced above 6 yuan [6][7]. Strategic Missteps - The company's rapid expansion into lower-tier markets has not been well-received, as these markets are not prepared for high-end products, leading to a mismatch between pricing and consumer expectations [6][7]. - Zhong Xue Gao's operational model, which relies on independent production lines and high cold chain costs, has hindered its ability to compete effectively with established brands that have optimized their supply chains [5][6]. Recommendations for Future Strategy - Industry experts recommend that Zhong Xue Gao leverage its existing supply chain advantages to explore new markets, such as the tea beverage sector, and consider brand licensing opportunities to ensure future viability [7].