消费者也可以教育百果园

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the chairman of Baiguoyuan's remarks highlights the relationship between consumer sovereignty, corporate governance, and operational realities, especially amid declining revenue and store closures [2] Group 1: Corporate Governance and Consumer Relations - The chairman's comments about educating consumers were met with public backlash, indicating a disconnect between the company's approach and consumer expectations [2][5] - The term "education" in a commercial context can imply a power imbalance, undermining consumer autonomy and dignity [5] - Baiguoyuan's governance structure lacks mechanisms to filter high-risk communications from executives, leading to unfiltered personal views being perceived as corporate stance [6] Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Position - Baiguoyuan's revenue declined by 9.8% year-on-year in 2024, with a net loss of 391 million yuan, marking the first net loss in five years [8] - The company closed 966 stores in 2024, averaging 2.6 closures per day, reflecting a shift in consumer attitudes towards high-end fruit chains [8] - The high-price strategy and the notion of "educating consumers" are increasingly seen as out of touch with market realities, exacerbating the disconnect between consumers and the brand [8] Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Challenges - Baiguoyuan faces competition from platforms like Hema and Dingdong, which leverage scale and instant delivery to alter consumer purchasing habits [9] - The company has encountered multiple food safety issues, undermining its claims of providing high-quality products and further damaging consumer trust [9][14] - The franchise model's sustainability is challenged by high costs and poor profit margins for franchisees, indicating weaknesses in cost control and supply chain management [8][9] Group 4: Implications for Future Strategy - The disconnect between Baiguoyuan's ESG commitments and its operational practices raises questions about the authenticity of its consumer-centric claims [14] - The company must adapt its governance from founder-led to professional management to better align with market dynamics and consumer expectations [16] - To genuinely "educate" the market, Baiguoyuan needs to accept consumer evaluations of its product quality and safety, integrating ESG principles into daily operations [16]