Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-10 11:03Core Viewpoint - The domestic liquor industry is actively promoting technological innovation and digital transformation to enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in response to changing consumer demands and increasing market competition [1][2]. Market Overview - The Chinese liquor market is undergoing a rapid transformation, with changes in consumption patterns, structures, and philosophies. Major liquor companies are focusing on digitalization to improve production efficiency and product quality while reducing operational costs [2][4]. - According to the China Alcoholic Drinks Association, by the end of 2024, the total consumption of alcoholic beverages in China will remain below 50 million kiloliters, with baijiu and beer dominating the market, accounting for approximately 93% of total consumption [4]. Baijiu Industry - The baijiu industry, as the absolute leader in the Chinese liquor market, has seen a slowdown in growth after rapid expansion. In 2024, the production of baijiu from large-scale enterprises is expected to be 4.145 million kiloliters, a year-on-year decrease of 1.8%, while sales revenue is projected to reach 796.384 billion yuan, a growth of 5.3% [5]. - The market is increasingly concentrated among leading brands, with top companies like Kweichow Moutai and Wuliangye capturing a significant share of industry profits. In 2024, 20 A-share baijiu companies are expected to generate total revenue of 442.2 billion yuan and net profits of 166.6 billion yuan [5][6]. - Changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger consumers, are driving the industry towards lower-alcohol products and international market expansion [6]. Beer Industry - The beer industry in China is experiencing a "volume decline and price increase" trend, with 2024 beer production expected to be 35.213 million kiloliters, a decrease of 0.6% year-on-year. However, revenue and profits are on the rise, with sales revenue increasing from 147.45 billion yuan in 2018 to 186.3 billion yuan in 2023 [9][10]. - Major players like Budweiser APAC, China Resources Beer, and Tsingtao Brewery are leveraging brand strength and market share to maintain their leading positions. The industry is also seeing a shift towards high-end products and digital transformation [10][13]. - Craft beer and non-alcoholic beer are emerging as rapidly growing segments, with craft beer consumption expected to reach 230,000 kiloliters by 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 17% [10]. Digital and Intelligent Transformation - The liquor industry is embracing digital and intelligent technologies as core drivers of transformation. Companies are implementing automation, big data analytics, and blockchain technology to enhance production efficiency and consumer trust [15][21]. - Kweichow Moutai is leading in digital transformation with initiatives like the "i Moutai" platform, which integrates various operational aspects and utilizes blockchain for product traceability [17][18]. - Wuliangye is investing in multiple projects to enhance its digital capabilities, including smart warehousing and supply chain management [19][20]. - China Resources Beer is integrating IoT and data-driven approaches to automate production processes and enhance operational efficiency [21][22]. - Tsingtao Brewery is advancing its digital strategy across its entire business chain, focusing on data collection, product development, and smart logistics [26][27]. Notable Projects - The Luzhou Laojiao Intelligent Packaging Center, recognized as the first "lighthouse factory" in the baijiu industry, showcases advanced automation and digital integration in its operations [29][31]. - China Resources Snow Beer has launched a JIT intelligent corridor project to enhance supply chain efficiency, marking a significant step towards digital transformation in the beverage supply chain [33].