Core Insights - The Chinese maternal and infant industry is undergoing significant changes, marked by a historical low in newborn population and rising prices for infant formula products [1][2] - Major players like Feihe are facing declining revenues and profits, while companies like Kidswant are expanding through acquisitions and showing strong performance [1][4] Industry Overview - The newborn population in China has decreased from a peak of 18.67 million in 2016 to 7.92 million in 2025, marking a significant demographic shift [2][3] - The decline in birth rates has led to increased pressure on leading maternal and infant companies, with Kidswant reporting a revenue increase of 8.10% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025 [4][10] Company Performance - Kidswant's revenue for the first half of 2025 was 4.91 billion yuan, with a net profit of 209 million yuan, reflecting a strong performance despite challenges [4][10] - Feihe's revenue has fluctuated, with a reported decline of 9.36% in the first half of 2025, following a trend of revenue and profit decreases since 2022 [1][4] Market Trends - The maternal and infant market is shifting towards online sales, with offline sales decreasing from 69.4% in 2022 to 59.7% in 2024, indicating a change in consumer purchasing habits [5] - The average price of maternal and infant products is rising, with a reported increase of 8.1% in January 2025, as consumers show a preference for higher-quality products [12] Strategic Moves - Kidswant is expanding its business through acquisitions, including a 16 billion yuan purchase of LeYou International and a 16.5 billion yuan acquisition of SiYu Industrial, diversifying its offerings beyond traditional maternal and infant products [11] - Feihe is targeting the adult nutrition market, launching its first AI-powered nutritional product aimed at older adults, reflecting a strategic shift in response to demographic changes [11] Consumer Insights - There is a growing acceptance of higher-priced infant formula among consumers, with over 60% preferring mid to high-end products priced above 200 yuan per can [12] - Different consumer segments in various city tiers have distinct purchasing priorities, with urban consumers focusing on product safety and shopping experience [12] Conclusion - The maternal and infant industry in China is transitioning from a focus on new user acquisition to deepening customer engagement and maximizing lifetime value, necessitating product innovation and brand strengthening [18]
800万新生儿时代的母婴行业生死局