司康 VS 达克瓦兹，谁才是中国烘焙市场的下午茶之神？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving trends in the Chinese afternoon tea dessert market, highlighting the rise of scones and dacquoise as popular choices among young consumers, showcasing their unique appeal and market strategies. Group 1: Scones - Scones have gained popularity through a successful "localization reversal," transforming from a mere accompaniment in high-end hotel afternoon teas to a beloved dessert due to innovations in texture and flavor [6][41]. - The Shanghai brand "Carter Scone" played a pivotal role in this transformation by adjusting the cream and butter ratios, creating a new style of scone that resonates with Chinese consumers' preference for a flaky texture [7][41]. - Scones are now seen as versatile afternoon tea options, pairing well with various beverages and fitting seamlessly into Chinese tea-drinking habits, thus proving the success of their "Chinese adaptation" [47][60]. Group 2: Dacquoise - Dacquoise, a classic French dessert, has recently gained traction in China, particularly since 2022, due to its appealing aesthetics and lower sugar content, making it suitable for modern tastes [9][49]. - The dessert's success is attributed to its visual appeal, light sweetness, and diverse flavor possibilities, which have evolved from traditional French recipes to more localized versions [51][53]. - Dacquoise has emerged as a "main character" in the dessert scene, leveraging social media for marketing and appealing to gifting occasions, thus establishing itself as a popular choice for various social settings [56][60]. Group 3: Market Trends - The popularity of scones and dacquoise reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards "experiential consumption," where the focus is on the overall experience rather than just the taste [11][14]. - Major restaurant brands are exploring the baking segment, indicating a growing trend in the market where baked goods are integrated into their offerings [13]. - The competition between scones and dacquoise highlights the importance of understanding local taste preferences and adapting products accordingly to succeed in the rapidly growing Chinese baking market [14][62]. Group 4: Insights and Strategies - The article emphasizes that the success of these desserts is not merely due to their cultural origins but rather their ability to resonate with local taste preferences and provide a "good reason to eat" [62][64]. - Both scones and dacquoise have successfully created social and emotional value beyond just being food items, positioning themselves as "social currency" in various contexts [65][67]. - The adaptability of both desserts allows for continuous innovation and the potential for seasonal variations, making them sustainable products in the evolving market landscape [68][70].