HAIDILAO(HK:06862) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-29 00:26Core Viewpoint - The restaurant industry is facing a dilemma regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes, with some companies opting for transparency while others choose to avoid the topic altogether. The push for transparency in pre-prepared dishes is becoming an inevitable trend driven by consumer rights and regulatory pressure [1][4][25]. Group 1: Industry Response to Pre-prepared Dishes - Some restaurants, like Green Tea, have removed signs claiming "no pre-prepared dishes" and have blacked out such labels on disposable utensils, indicating a cautious approach to avoid backlash [2][5][6]. - In contrast, other establishments, such as Haidilao, have begun to label certain dishes as "partially pre-processed," reflecting a more transparent strategy [8][10]. - The well-known brand Dabowl Mr. has announced plans to clearly label the preparation methods of all 126 dishes in its menu, with 65.8% being freshly made [13]. Group 2: Challenges in Defining Pre-prepared Dishes - The lack of a clear definition and standards for what constitutes a pre-prepared dish complicates the labeling process for restaurants, leading to confusion and inconsistency in the industry [16][17]. - The complexity of traditional Chinese cuisine makes it difficult to categorize dishes as pre-prepared, as the preparation process can vary significantly [18][20]. - Smaller restaurants face additional challenges due to limited resources and the inability to implement comprehensive labeling systems [22]. Group 3: Consumer Perception and Market Dynamics - Consumer perception equates pre-prepared dishes with lower quality, leading to hesitance among restaurants to label their offerings as such, especially in higher-end dining establishments [23][24]. - The reliance on pre-prepared ingredients is widespread in the industry, with few restaurants able to operate without them, particularly in chain operations [24]. - The recent decline in customer traffic for brands like Xibei highlights the potential negative impact of being associated with pre-prepared dishes [24]. Group 4: Regulatory Trends and Future Directions - The push for transparency in pre-prepared dishes is gaining momentum, with government agencies advocating for clearer labeling practices to protect consumer rights [25][29]. - Some regions are already implementing mandatory labeling requirements for pre-prepared dishes, indicating a shift from optional to required transparency [29]. - The industry may see a division where high-end restaurants focus on freshly made dishes while fast-casual dining embraces pre-prepared options, reflecting changing consumer expectations [33].