Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-23 01:42Core Insights - The trend in the snack food industry, particularly in the marinated food segment, is shifting towards more diverse offerings that combine traditional snacks with full meal options, catering to changing consumer preferences for dining experiences [7][11] Company Strategies - Companies like Jiujia and Zhou Hei Ya are innovating by integrating hot pot elements into their offerings, such as Jiujia's fresh boiling of marinated items and Zhou Hei Ya's introduction of rice and noodle dishes [1][3] - Absolute Taste has launched a "plus store" concept, featuring a trendy atmosphere with a menu that includes fried snacks and craft beer, appealing to younger consumers looking for a social dining experience [5] - Zhou Hei Ya has expanded its product line to include marinated sauce packages for home cooking, while Absolute Taste has collaborated with tea brands to offer meal sets, indicating a strategy to diversify revenue streams [9] Market Trends - The marinated food market experienced a modest growth of only 3.7% last year, prompting brands to adapt by offering more substantial meal options rather than just snacks [7] - The evolving consumer behavior shows a preference for dining in and enjoying a variety of food options, leading brands to create environments conducive to longer stays and social interactions [11] Challenges and Risks - The shift towards freshly prepared items raises concerns about hygiene and food safety, particularly for brands like Zhou Hei Ya that are moving away from vacuum packaging [7] - The expansion into new markets, such as the U.S. for brands like Ziyuan Baiwei Chicken, presents challenges in consumer acceptance of traditional flavors among non-Chinese customers [9]