3 6 Ke·2025-07-10 04:32Core Viewpoint - The traditional snack giants are facing a survival crisis as they struggle against the rise of low-cost snack brands, leading to significant declines in revenue and profit margins [1][2][20]. Group 1: Performance of Traditional Snack Giants - Laiyifen reported a double-digit decline in both revenue and net profit in its 2024 annual report, marking the largest loss since its IPO [1] - Good Products also experienced its first annual loss since its listing in 2020 [1] - Three squirrels terminated the acquisition of Ailingshi and announced a strategic partnership with Snack Selection, while facing legal challenges from Ailingshi [1][2] Group 2: Rise of Low-Cost Snack Brands - Low-cost snack brands are rapidly gaining market share through a "low-margin, high-volume" model, posing unprecedented challenges to traditional snack companies [2] - Brands like "Very Busy" and "Snack Revolution" have emerged, focusing on price competitiveness and direct factory connections, undermining the brand premium of traditional players [3][4] Group 3: Changing Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are becoming more rational, with a decreasing willingness to pay a premium for brands [4] - The perception of high prices and product homogeneity among traditional brands is leading to a loss of consumer loyalty [3][4] Group 4: Challenges Faced by Traditional Giants - Three Squirrels heavily relies on online channels, with 70% of its revenue still coming from third-party e-commerce platforms in 2024 [5] - The company aimed for a "ten-thousand store plan" by 2024 but only managed to open 333 stores, closing 549 in 2022 alone [6] - Laiyifen's store count decreased by 16.28% from 2023 to 2024, highlighting the struggles of traditional retail models [6] Group 5: Profitability Issues in the Low-Cost Segment - Leading low-cost brands like "Wancheng" and "Mingming Very Busy" have achieved rapid growth but maintain low profit margins of 0.91% and 2.1% respectively [7][8] - The franchise model prevalent in low-cost brands raises concerns about sustainability, as profitability for franchisees is crucial for continued expansion [8] Group 6: Future Directions for Traditional Giants - Traditional snack companies are exploring new product lines and pricing strategies to combat the low-cost competition, with Good Products initiating a significant price reduction across 300 products [14] - However, this price-cutting strategy risks damaging brand value and consumer trust [14] - The need for operational upgrades and a complete supply chain overhaul is emphasized as essential for survival in the evolving market [17][20] Group 7: New Business Models - Three Squirrels has opened its first lifestyle store, expanding beyond snacks to include a variety of products, indicating a shift towards a more comprehensive retail approach [18] - The company is also developing a convenience store model, focusing on a low-margin strategy with a diverse product mix [18] Group 8: Conclusion - The snack industry is undergoing a transformation where traditional high-end branding is losing relevance, and the focus is shifting towards affordability and value [20] - The future of the snack market will favor brands that can deliver genuine value to consumers, necessitating a reevaluation of cost structures and value propositions by traditional giants [20]