GUOTAI HAITONG SECURITIES·2025-09-14 10:08Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" rating to the food and beverage industry [1] Core Insights - The food and beverage sector is experiencing cyclical opportunities due to supply and demand clearing, with performance advantages evident in beverages, snacks, and raw materials. The financials of the liquor sector are improving, particularly for Moutai [3][4] Summary by Sections Investment Recommendations - The report suggests increasing holdings in growth stocks within beverages, snacks, and food sectors, highlighting the performance advantages. It recommends overweight positions in elastic liquor stocks such as Hong Kong-listed Zhenjiu Lidu, Shede Liquor, Shanxi Fenjiu, Luzhou Laojiao, and Jiu Gui Jiu. For stable mid-term holdings, it suggests Wuliangye, Guizhou Moutai, Yingjia Gongjiu, Jianshiyuan, and Guqingongjiu. In the beverage sector, it recommends increasing positions in leading companies like Dongpeng Beverage and Chengde Lulou, as well as Hong Kong-listed Nongfu Spring, Master Kong Holdings, and China Resources Beverage. For snacks and food raw materials, it suggests increasing holdings in Bailong Chuangyuan, Yanjinpuzi, Three Squirrels, and Ximai Foods, along with Hong Kong-listed Weilong Delicious. In the beer segment, it recommends increasing positions in Tsingtao Brewery, Zhujiang Brewery, and Bai Run Shares, as well as Hong Kong-listed China Resources Beer. For condiments and livestock, it suggests increasing holdings in Yili Group, New Dairy, Youran Livestock, Modern Farming, Baoli Foods, and Haitian Flavoring [8][9] Liquor Sector - The liquor sector is seeing a clearing of financials, with Moutai showing signs of improved sales. In Q2 2025, high-end, sub-high-end, and regional liquor revenues grew by 3%, declined by 5%, and decreased by 27% year-on-year, respectively. Net profits for these categories also showed a similar trend. The consumption environment is suppressing industry demand, leading to accelerated inventory reduction. Moutai's official data indicates a recovery in terminal sales as traditional festivals approach, with significant month-on-month growth observed since late August. The company emphasizes sustainable high-quality development, which may alleviate supply-demand conflicts and support pricing [9][10] Consumer Goods Sector - The consumer goods sector is characterized by structural growth, with beverages performing well, stable beer sales, and significant differentiation in snacks. The leading companies in condiments are showing advantages, while dairy products are experiencing marginal improvements. The report suggests that new consumer leaders in food additives, health products, beverages, and snacks have potential for future growth, driven by innovation and management strategies that could widen the gap with competitors [11]