Ligao Foods (SZ:300973) Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-07-18 10:29Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding Sam's Club's product selection adjustments highlights the shift from exclusive brands to more commonly found brands, raising questions about the perceived value of membership privileges [1][2]. Group 1: Product Selection and Branding - Sam's Club has faced criticism for introducing products with unfamiliar English names, such as "PANPAN" French puff, which are actually from well-known domestic brands [2][5]. - The "PANPAN" trademark was registered in 2017, indicating that it was not created specifically for Sam's Club [3][5]. - The "Sweet Hour" brand, associated with the product "益生元岩烧海苔," was registered by Guangdong Xizhilang Group in 2000, long before Sam's Club entered the Chinese market [5][6]. Group 2: Supplier Relationships and Product Quality - Sam's Club maintains high standards for its suppliers, requiring certifications for products, which limits the number of eligible suppliers [10]. - The self-branded products, such as Member's Mark, are primarily produced by well-known Chinese manufacturers, ensuring quality and local sourcing [10][11]. - The company relies heavily on local suppliers for popular items, such as frozen baked goods, which are produced by companies like Lihigh Foods [11]. Group 3: Market Positioning and Consumer Perception - The introduction of products with foreign-sounding names has led to consumer confusion regarding the origin of these products, prompting discussions about transparency in branding [15]. - Industry experts suggest that the quality of products should not be judged solely based on their branding, advocating for a better understanding of the value of domestic manufacturing [15].