百果园“不迎合消费者”引争议，钟薛高创始人：相信其本无恶意

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the chairman of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, has sparked significant public backlash due to his comments on consumer education and pricing strategies, leading to discussions about the company's market position and consumer trust [1][3][4]. Company Overview - Baiguoyuan has faced severe market challenges, reporting a net loss of 3.91 billion yuan in 2024, a stark contrast to a profit of 3.81 billion yuan in the previous year [8][9]. - The company closed 966 stores in 2024, reducing its total retail outlets to 5,127 by the end of the year [10][11]. Consumer Sentiment - Many consumers have criticized Baiguoyuan for high prices, with reports of individual fruit prices such as 12 yuan for a kiwi and 50 yuan for half a watermelon [2][3]. - The company's strategy of "educating consumers" has been met with skepticism, as many feel that the pricing does not align with their expectations [1][3]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Baiguoyuan's revenue was 10.273 billion yuan, a decline of 9.8% year-on-year, with gross profit dropping by 41.9% to 764 million yuan [8][9]. - The company had previously experienced growth from 2019 to 2023, with revenues increasing from 8.976 billion yuan in 2019 to 11.391 billion yuan in 2023 [9]. Membership and Trust Issues - The number of paid members decreased by 27.1% in 2024, falling to approximately 850,000, indicating a loss of consumer trust [11][14]. - Reports of quality issues, including complaints about spoiled fruits and misleading labeling, have further damaged the company's reputation [12][14].