3 6 Ke·2026-01-06 05:36Core Insights - The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the Chinese food industry in 2025 are characterized by a focus on necessary integrations rather than large-scale deals, reflecting a shift towards survival in a saturated market [1] Group 1: Snack Industry Developments - Wanchen Group has transformed from a grassroots brand into a significant capital player, acquiring 49% of Nanjing Wanyou for 1.379 billion yuan, which is crucial for its brand integration strategy [2][3] - Nanjing Wanyou, under the "Good Idea" brand, generated 4.1 billion yuan in revenue in the first five months of 2025, highlighting its importance in Wanchen's portfolio [2] - The rapid expansion strategy of Wanchen has slowed significantly, with daily store openings dropping from 26 to less than 7, indicating market saturation and operational challenges [4] Group 2: Dairy Industry Trends - New Hope Dairy's acquisition of Fuzhou Aoni has taken six years to finalize, reflecting a cautious approach in a changing dairy market [7][9] - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to solidify New Hope's presence in the southern market, but the company has shifted its focus from aggressive acquisitions to more sustainable growth strategies [9] - Junyao Health has adopted a different strategy by acquiring Runying Biotechnology, focusing on probiotic products, which saw a 60% revenue increase in the first three quarters of 2025 [9][10] Group 3: New Tea Beverage Sector - Mixue Ice City has made headlines by acquiring a 53% stake in the craft beer brand "Xianpi Fulu Jia" for nearly 300 million yuan, aiming to create a "day tea, night beer" business model [11][13] - The acquisition has faced criticism for its high premium, but the company leverages its extensive cold chain logistics to address the challenges of craft beer distribution [11] - In contrast, Heytea has paused its expansion plans, reflecting the industry's struggle with over-saturation and declining profitability [13] Group 4: Condiment Industry Challenges - Fuling Mustard's attempt to acquire Sichuan Weizimei has failed due to valuation disagreements, highlighting the difficulties traditional food companies face in finding growth opportunities [14][16] - The condiment industry is experiencing stagnation, with Fuling Mustard holding significant cash but struggling to identify viable growth avenues [16] - Industry leader Haitian Flavoring has opted for a Hong Kong listing to enhance its international presence and repair its reputation following regulatory challenges [16] Group 5: Overall Industry Trends - The 2025 M&A wave in the Chinese food and beverage sector reflects a broader theme of disillusionment, with consumers prioritizing value over brand prestige [17] - Companies are increasingly focusing on cost efficiency and profitability, as evidenced by Wanchen's and New Hope's strategic shifts [17] - The industry is moving towards consolidation, with larger firms dominating the market and employing data-driven strategies to optimize costs across the supply chain [17][18]