一家超级明星公司凉了

Core Viewpoint - The plant-based meat industry is experiencing a dramatic shift from capital enthusiasm to a rapid decline, exemplified by Beyond Meat's recent closure of its flagship e-commerce store in China and the shutdown of its factory in Jiaxing, signaling a potential exit from the Chinese market [3][4][9]. Company Overview - Beyond Meat, founded in 2009, was one of the earliest plant-based meat companies in the U.S. and gained significant capital interest, attracting notable investors like Bill Gates and Leonardo DiCaprio [3][16]. - The company expanded into China in 2020, establishing two factories in Jiaxing with ambitions to become a leading plant-based meat producer globally [6][7]. Financial Performance - Since 2022, Beyond Meat has faced continuous revenue declines and increasing losses, with stock prices plummeting nearly 97% from their peak [8][5]. - The company's revenues from 2022 to 2024 were reported at $419 million, $343 million, and $326 million, with corresponding losses of $366 million, $338 million, and $160 million [8][21]. Market Challenges - The closure of Beyond Meat's operations in China reflects broader struggles within the plant-based meat sector, where companies like Impossible Foods have also faced layoffs and operational challenges [19][20]. - The plant-based meat market is hindered by three main issues: poor taste perception among consumers, high prices compared to traditional meat (82% higher), and a limited consumer base primarily consisting of vegetarians and fitness enthusiasts [21][22]. Investment Trends - Investment in plant-based meat companies has significantly declined, with a reported 64% drop in 2024, following a 75% decrease in cultivated meat investments [22].