3 6 Ke·2026-02-09 11:00Core Viewpoint - The spring transportation season has seen a decline in the popularity of "marinated snacks," particularly the three major duck brands, which are facing performance downturns and store closures due to market saturation and changing consumer preferences [2][3][8]. Group 1: Company Performance - The three major duck brands, Zhou Hei Ya, Jue Wei, and Huang Shang Huang, have experienced significant declines in performance, with Jue Wei projected to lose between 160 million to 220 million yuan in 2025, marking its first annual loss [6][19]. - The market capitalization of these brands, once in the hundreds of billions, has now dwindled to tens of billions, and over 5,300 stores were closed in the first half of 2025 alone [6][19]. - Zhou Hei Ya, despite its high-end positioning, saw its net profit drop by over 94% in 2022, while Huang Shang Huang's store count fell below 2,898 by mid-2025, lower than in 2019 [19][21]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The marinated snack market is experiencing a slowdown, with the market size expected to reach 157.3 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a drastic decline in growth rate to 3.7% compared to over 15% in previous years [21][23]. - Consumer behavior has shifted, with a preference for lower-priced options; the most common spending range for marinated snacks is 20-30 yuan, while the major brands often exceed this price point [23][25]. - The competitive landscape has evolved, with local brands and snack giants entering the marinated snack market, offering similar or better value propositions, thus diluting the unique selling points of the major brands [25][27]. Group 3: Strategic Changes - To regain market share, the major brands are attempting various marketing strategies, including collaborations with popular culture and introducing new product lines [30][32]. - There is a push towards redefining their product offerings, with Zhou Hei Ya and Jue Wei introducing lower-priced items and expanding into hot marinated dishes to attract younger consumers [34][36]. - Operational efficiency is becoming crucial, with brands needing to close underperforming stores and focus resources on profitable locations to improve overall performance [38][41].