Core Viewpoint - The incident involving a Bawang Tea employee preparing drinks without gloves has sparked significant controversy, highlighting issues of food safety and brand integrity in the beverage industry [1][5][6]. Group 1: Incident Details - A video surfaced showing a Bawang Tea employee preparing drinks by handling ice and lemons without gloves, which led to public outrage [1]. - The employee claimed the actions were part of a mock demonstration using waste materials after closing, aiming to mimic "Indian tea" [1][5]. - Bawang Tea conducted an investigation confirming the incident occurred at their store in Fujian and that the materials used were disposed of after filming [5]. Group 2: Company Response - Bawang Tea expressed shock and anger at the employee's actions, stating they violated food safety protocols and company policies [5]. - The company has suspended the Fujian store indefinitely until it passes a thorough inspection and has terminated the involved employee for serious misconduct [5]. - The store manager and regional supervisor faced demotions due to management failures [5]. Group 3: Industry Context - The incident reflects broader issues in the new tea beverage market, where brands may prioritize viral marketing over food safety [6]. - The competitive landscape has led to a blurring of lines between entertainment and serious food safety standards, necessitating industry-wide reflection [6]. Group 4: Company Financials - Bawang Tea reported a revenue of 32.08 billion yuan for Q3 2025, a decrease of 9.40% year-over-year, and a net profit of 3.94 billion yuan, down 38.53% [7]. - The adjusted net profit under U.S. GAAP was 5.03 billion yuan, compared to 6.47 billion yuan in the previous year [7]. - As of January 5, Bawang Tea's stock was priced at $12.60 per share, with a market capitalization of $2.3 billion [7].
知名奶茶通报：门店无限期停业整顿，员工辞退，店长降职