Hongqi Chain(SZ:002697) Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-11-06 13:05Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the strategic move of Mixue Ice City to enter the beer market by acquiring a lesser-known craft beer brand, Fulu Family, as a response to the slowing growth in the milk tea industry [3][25]. Industry Analysis - The growth rate of the new tea beverage market is projected to decline from 44.3% in 2023 to 12.4% by 2025, prompting major brands to close stores and indicating a market ceiling [3]. - The craft beer market in China is expected to approach 100 billion by 2025, with an annual growth rate exceeding 30%, potentially surpassing 200 billion by 2030 [5]. Company Strategy - Mixue Ice City invested 285.6 million to increase its stake in Fulu Family to 53%, indicating a calculated move to diversify its revenue streams [5]. - The relationship between Mixue and Fulu Family is strengthened by personal ties, as the CEO of Mixue is married to the actual controller of Fulu Family, which reduces the risks associated with cross-industry ventures [7]. Fulu Family's Business Model - Fulu Family transitioned from a convenience store to a craft beer brand in 2022, rapidly expanding to 1,200 stores within three years by adopting a low-barrier franchise model [10]. - The initial investment to open a Fulu Family store is only 60,000, significantly lower than the 210,000 required for a Mixue store, making it attractive for small entrepreneurs [12]. - Fulu Family's pricing strategy positions its craft beer between 5.9 to 10 yuan, making it accessible and appealing to a broader audience [12]. Target Market - Fulu Family targets young women aged 18-35 with lower alcohol content and sweeter flavors, avoiding direct competition with traditional beer brands [14]. Supply Chain Advantage - Fulu Family benefits from Mixue's cold chain logistics, reducing spoilage rates from the industry average of 8% to below 3%, enhancing product freshness and distribution capabilities [16]. Challenges Ahead - Despite rapid expansion, Fulu Family's profitability remains low, with a projected net profit of only 1.07 million in 2024 compared to Mixue's 4.45 billion, indicating a need for a sustainable profit model [17]. - The consumption scenarios for beer are more limited compared to milk tea, which could restrict sales volume [19]. - Fulu Family lacks the delivery advantages that propelled the milk tea market, leading to higher marketing costs and slower consumer recognition [21]. Long-term Vision - Mixue's acquisition of Fulu Family aims to create a comprehensive beverage ecosystem, offering coffee in the morning, milk tea at noon, and beer in the evening [23]. - The success of this strategy will depend on Fulu Family's ability to innovate and build its brand, as consumer expectations for beer differ significantly from those for milk tea [23].