NONGFU SPRING(HK:09633) Xi Niu Cai Jing·2025-07-10 14:27Group 1 - The core issue revolves around the pricing of a 2-kilogram package of "Nongfu Spring Pure Transparent Edible Ice" sold at Sam's Club for 22.8 yuan, which is significantly higher than the estimated cost of 8 yuan based on the water needed to produce it [1][2] - Sam's Club claims that the ice is produced using a "24 to 32 hours ultra-low speed freezing process," resulting in denser ice crystals that melt 20% slower than regular ice, making it suitable for outdoor camping and cocktail mixing [1][2] - The product is a channel-customized item supplied exclusively by Nongfu Spring to Sam's Club, leading to concerns about price inflation due to the lack of alternative options for consumers [2][3] Group 2 - Critics question whether the premium pricing is justified given that the market cost for regular edible ice is around 0.5 yuan per kilogram, while Sam's ice is priced at 11.4 yuan per kilogram, representing a markup of over 20 times [2] - Supporters argue that the ice addresses issues of homemade ice being fragile and melting quickly, appealing particularly to high-income consumers who prioritize quality and convenience [2] - The controversy highlights a trend in the retail industry where companies use "technical narratives" to justify premium pricing, raising concerns about the transparency of costs and the effectiveness of marketing claims in an era of increasing information symmetry [3]