百果园和钟薛高，跌在同一个坑里

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Baiguoyuan, a fruit retail chain in China, particularly in light of controversial statements made by its founder and chairman, Yu Huiyong, regarding consumer expectations and pricing strategies. The company is struggling to maintain its market position amid changing consumer preferences for cost-effectiveness and quality assurance [1][3][19]. Group 1: Company Performance and Strategy - Baiguoyuan has positioned itself in the high-end fruit market, with a focus on quality service and premium pricing, which has led to a perception that it is unaffordable for many consumers [4][5]. - The company's revenue from 2019 to 2023 showed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.14%, with revenues of 89.76 billion, 88.54 billion, 102.9 billion, 113.1 billion, and 113.9 billion yuan respectively [5]. - Despite its previous success, Baiguoyuan's revenue declined by 9.8% in 2024, with a gross profit drop of 41.9%, indicating a significant downturn in performance [8][11]. Group 2: Consumer Sentiment and Market Trends - Consumer preferences have shifted towards high cost-performance ratios, with a survey indicating that 33.5% of consumers prioritize value for money, 32.3% focus on quality, and 30.5% on after-sales service [8]. - The backlash against Baiguoyuan's high pricing and perceived arrogance in addressing consumer concerns has led to a significant drop in its paid membership, which fell by 27.1% year-on-year [11][19]. - The company has faced numerous complaints regarding product quality, with over 3,000 complaints recorded, highlighting issues such as selling spoiled fruits and failing to honor return policies [10][11]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Baiguoyuan's reliance on franchise stores (99.79% of its 5,127 stores) has contributed to inconsistent product quality, as franchisees prioritize cost-cutting measures over customer satisfaction [10][11]. - Competitors like Hema have leveraged supply chain advantages to offer high-quality fruits at lower prices, making Baiguoyuan's pricing strategy less attractive to consumers [17][18]. - The article draws parallels between Baiguoyuan and other high-end brands that have struggled due to consumer pushback against perceived arrogance, emphasizing the need for Baiguoyuan to adapt its strategy to meet evolving market demands [12][19].