Core Insights - The Chinese milk powder industry is still struggling with overall sluggishness in consumer spending despite a recovery phase after four years of price wars and market restructuring [2][3] - China Feihe, a leading domestic milk powder brand, has made a strategic adjustment by reintroducing its classic positioning of being "more suitable for Chinese babies," signaling a proactive approach to seize market opportunities during this recovery period [2][3][4] Industry Overview - The milk powder industry has been mired in price wars, with many companies sacrificing profit margins through aggressive promotions, which has negatively impacted overall profitability and hindered the high-end market development of domestic brands [3][4] - A recovery in the industry began in the second half of last year, supported by a rebound in birth rates and a collective push from domestic and foreign companies to stabilize pricing strategies [3][4] Company Strategy - On October 14, China Feihe held a large-scale launch event to unveil its "new generation more suitable" strategy and several new products, marking a significant shift in its marketing approach [3][5] - The return to the classic positioning comes after a brief period of shifting focus to a different brand message, highlighting the importance of strategic adaptability in a competitive landscape [3][4][5] Competitive Landscape - The competition in the milk powder industry is evolving from price-based competition to value-based positioning, with factors such as policy benefits, research capabilities, and comprehensive service channels becoming critical [7] - In 2024, China Feihe reported revenue of 20.749 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.2%, and a net profit of 3.57 billion yuan, reflecting resilience in a challenging market [7] Market Dynamics - The competitive differentiation is evident, with foreign brands showing strong performance in general trade and cross-border sales, while domestic brands are experiencing slower growth and a decline in market share [5][6] - China Feihe's strategic return to its classic positioning is seen as urgent to rebuild its value barriers and maintain its competitive edge against rising foreign brands [5][6] Future Outlook - The introduction of a government subsidy policy for families with children under three years old starting January 1, 2025, has triggered a "subsidy war" among leading dairy companies, with China Feihe committing 1.2 billion yuan to attract new families [7][8] - The launch of new products under the "new generation more suitable" strategy aims to target the high-end market and reactivate growth momentum in the infant formula segment [8]
政策红利叠加需求反弹，国产奶粉龙头竞争开启新赛段