Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-15 03:22Core Insights - The food and beverage industry is expected to see multi-dimensional improvements in 2026, following a year of stabilization in 2025, characterized by price pressures and structural differentiation [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The food and beverage sector (CITIC) experienced a cumulative decline of 4% in 2025, underperforming the CSI 300 by 20% [1][16]. - The liquor sector faced significant pressure, with an annual decline of 7%, while segments like health products, frozen foods, and beverages saw increases of 18%, 15%, and 12% respectively [1][16]. - The overall retail sales in China showed moderate growth, with a year-on-year increase of 4.0% from January to November 2025, and service consumption growth outpacing goods consumption [1][27]. Group 2: Liquor Industry Insights - The liquor industry is currently at a triple bottom, with supply clearing continuing into 2025, and leading companies focusing on stabilizing prices and sales [2][6]. - Demand has begun to recover, with improved sales expected during the Spring Festival, and strong demand for mid-range priced liquor brands [2][61]. - The product strategy includes a shift towards lower alcohol content and targeting younger consumers, with a focus on collaborative channel development [2][6]. Group 3: Beer and Beverage Sector - The beer sector is anticipated to benefit from a recovery in dining, with cost advantages expected to maintain stable gross margins in 2026 [2][6]. - The soft drink market is steadily expanding, with segments like functional beverages and bottled water showing strong performance, driven by leading brands leveraging their market position [2][6]. Group 4: Food Sector Developments - The food sector is focusing on recovery and growth, with a rebound in demand for restaurant supply chains and leading companies expected to show profit elasticity [3][6]. - The snack segment is being driven by retail transformation, with health-oriented products and new opportunities emerging [3][6]. - The dairy sector is nearing a turning point, with expectations for supply-demand improvements in the second half of 2026 [3][6]. Group 5: Consumer Trends - High-end consumption is showing signs of recovery, with luxury retail sales improving and experiential consumption rebounding [1][35]. - The trend towards health-conscious consumption is becoming more pronounced, with a shift towards lower sugar and simpler ingredient formulations across various food categories [3][45].