Fuling Zhacai(SZ:002507) Chang Jiang Shang Bao·2025-09-28 22:59Core Viewpoint - Fuling Pickle (002507.SZ) is facing significant challenges, including a recent management change with the resignation of General Manager Zhao Ping, amid declining performance and shrinking distributor numbers [1][4][10]. Management Changes - Zhao Ping resigned as General Manager on September 26, 2023, after serving for 14 years and 5 months, and will continue as a senior manager [2][6][4]. - Zhao Ping, who is 59 years old and approaching retirement, has been a key figure in the company's transformation from a traditional workshop to a modern enterprise [5][7]. - The company is undergoing a shift towards younger leadership, as indicated by the age of the current board members [10][11]. Financial Performance - Fuling Pickle's revenue has stagnated, with reported revenues of 24.50 billion yuan in 2023, 23.87 billion yuan in 2024, and 13.13 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, reflecting year-on-year changes of -3.86%, -2.56%, and 0.51% respectively [11][12]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders has also declined, with figures of 8.27 billion yuan, 7.99 billion yuan, and 4.41 billion yuan for the same periods, showing decreases of 8.04%, 3.29%, and 1.66% respectively [12][11]. Product Diversification Efforts - The company has attempted to diversify its product offerings beyond pickles, including products like radishes and kimchi, but 85% of its revenue still comes from pickles, indicating limited success in diversification [3][13]. - The gross profit margin for pickles remains significantly higher at 58.08%, compared to lower margins for other products [13]. Distributor Network Challenges - The number of distributors has been decreasing, with 2,632 distributors at the end of 2024, down by 607 from 2023, and further reduced to 2,446 by mid-2025 [3][14]. - The decline in distributor numbers is impacting sales performance, as the company relies heavily on a distributor model supplemented by e-commerce [14]. Market Competition - Fuling Pickle faces increasing competition from other brands, which is squeezing its growth potential [13][14]. - The company is actively promoting its products, with sales expenses rising to 1.95 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, but revenue growth remains minimal [14].