Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-23 08:56Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is facing significant challenges, with a notable decline in performance among many companies, particularly in the white liquor segment, as evidenced by recent financial reports and changing consumer preferences [1][3][12]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Among 20 listed liquor companies, only 6, including Moutai, Wuliangye, and Fenjiu, reported growth, while 15 experienced declines, with some showing significant drops in net profit [1]. - Moutai, the industry leader, has seen its growth rate fall to single digits for the first time in nearly a decade, with the price of its 53-degree Feitian Moutai dropping nearly one-third in the past year and close to 50% over the last two years [1]. Group 2: Inventory and Production Trends - The overall liquor production has been declining for eight consecutive years, dropping from 13.58 million tons in 2016 to 4.14 million tons in 2024, a decrease of over 60% [2]. - The inventory of 20 A-share liquor companies is close to 4 million tons in 2024, indicating that even without production for four years, there would still be sufficient supply in the market [2]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - Young consumers show low acceptance of white liquor, with a survey indicating that only 19% of individuals aged 20 to 35 prefer white liquor, compared to other alcoholic beverages [12]. - The number of large-scale white liquor enterprises in China is projected to decrease to 887 by mid-2025, down by over 100 from the previous year [3]. Group 4: Historical Context and Policy Impact - The white liquor industry has undergone significant changes since the 1989 market liberalization, with various marketing strategies leading to rapid growth until recent policy changes and market dynamics began to impact consumption [7][8]. - The introduction of regulations in 2012 aimed at curbing public spending has drastically reduced the share of government-related consumption in the white liquor market, leading to a significant drop in stock prices and sales [8][9]. Group 5: Industry Adaptation and Future Outlook - In response to changing consumer preferences, liquor companies are launching new products, including low-alcohol and cross-category beverages, to attract younger consumers [12]. - The international market remains a potential growth area, with Chinese liquor exports reaching 8.31 million liters in the first half of 2025, representing only 0.04% of domestic production [12].