出海暴赚10倍：中国皮蛋，为何上演大反转？

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of century egg (皮蛋) from being labeled as "the most disgusting food" to a popular item in the U.S. market, particularly at Costco, highlights a significant cultural shift and growing acceptance of this traditional Chinese delicacy [1][17][22]. Group 1: Market Demand and Popularity - Costco's introduction of preserved duck eggs led to an overwhelming demand, with a 20-pack selling out in just three days despite a price increase from $13.99 to $17.59 due to trade tensions [1][9]. - The popularity of century eggs has surged, with annual sales exceeding 5 million boxes in the U.S. and the product becoming a regular item in major retailers like Costco and Walmart [21]. - Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok have played a crucial role in promoting century eggs, with influencers creating various recipes and reviews that have attracted significant attention [10][12]. Group 2: Cultural Perception and Acceptance - Historically, century eggs faced severe criticism, being labeled as "the most disgusting food" by CNN in 2011, which described them as having a "horrifying" appearance and smell [2][6]. - The negative perception has shifted as consumers have begun to explore and appreciate the unique flavors and culinary versatility of century eggs, leading to a newfound acceptance in mainstream cuisine [11][22]. - The transformation from a niche product to a mainstream item reflects a broader trend of Chinese cuisine gaining recognition and popularity in global markets [22]. Group 3: Quality and Compliance - To enter the U.S. market, particularly Costco, century egg producers underwent rigorous quality and safety evaluations, ensuring compliance with international standards [19][20]. - The shift to lead-free production methods and the adoption of modern preservation techniques have improved the product's safety and appeal, addressing previous health concerns associated with traditional methods [5][6]. - The successful entry of century eggs into Costco's supply chain demonstrates the potential for traditional Chinese foods to gain acceptance in Western markets through quality assurance and effective marketing strategies [20][22].