HTSC·2025-05-06 04:00Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the food and beverage industry [9]. Core Insights - The food and beverage sector is expected to see improvements in 2025 after a challenging 2024, with various sub-sectors showing signs of recovery and growth potential [1][16]. Dairy Products - The dairy sector experienced a revenue decline of 7.2% in 2024, with a significant drop in net profit by 27% and 43.3% for attributable and non-recurring net profit respectively. However, Q1 2025 showed a slight revenue increase of 0.4% and a notable recovery in non-recurring net profit by 24.4% [2][16]. - Major dairy companies are expected to stabilize operations after channel adjustments, with recommendations for Yili and Mengniu [2][24]. Snack Foods - The snack food sector saw a revenue increase of 2.8% in 2024, but faced challenges in Q1 2025 with a revenue decline of 4.8%. The sector is benefiting from channel innovations and the growth of the konjac category [3][29]. - Companies like Yanjinpuzi and Ganyuan Foods are recommended due to their adaptability to market changes [3][33]. Beer - The beer sector faced a revenue decline of 1.5% in 2024, but Q1 2025 showed a recovery with a 3.7% revenue increase. The sector is expected to improve due to low inventory levels and a stabilizing restaurant demand [4][24]. - Recommended stocks include Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer [4][24]. Soft Drinks - The soft drink sector demonstrated resilience with a revenue growth of 15.7% in 2024, and a stable performance in Q1 2025 with a 5.5% increase. The sector is benefiting from strong travel demand and new product launches [5][24]. - Key recommendations include Nongfu Spring and attention to Kangshifu and Uni-President [5][24]. Condiments - The condiment sector saw a revenue increase of 7.7% in 2024, but growth has been modest in 2025. Major players are adjusting to improve market share [6][24]. - Companies like Haitian Flavoring and Zhongju Gaoxin are highlighted for their ongoing transformations [6][24]. Frozen Foods - The frozen food sector has been under pressure with a revenue increase of only 1.6% in 2024 and a decline of 5.1% in Q1 2025. Intense price competition is affecting profitability [7][24]. - The sector is expected to improve as restaurant demand recovers [7][24].