老干妈，出山救子，又赚翻了

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of the Chinese condiment brand Lao Gan Ma, highlighting its recovery from a revenue decline and the importance of maintaining product quality and brand integrity in a competitive market [4][20][46]. Group 1: Company Overview - Lao Gan Ma, founded in 1996 in Guizhou, has been a staple in Chinese households for nearly 30 years and is now approaching a revenue of 5.4 billion yuan in 2024, nearly matching its historical peak [4]. - The brand holds approximately 20% market share in the Chinese chili sauce industry, significantly outpacing its closest competitors [7]. Group 2: Management and Leadership - The founder, Tao Huabi, returned to the company at the age of 72 to address quality issues after a management decision to switch from high-quality Guizhou chili peppers to cheaper alternatives led to a decline in product taste and sales [21][24]. - The management transition to her sons initially caused challenges, but Tao's return emphasized a focus on quality over short-term profits, leading to a recovery in brand reputation and sales [20][24]. Group 3: Product Quality and Market Strategy - The unique flavor of Lao Gan Ma is attributed to the high-quality Guizhou chili peppers, which are essential to its product identity and consumer loyalty [16][20]. - The company has resisted the trend of aggressive online marketing and instead focuses on maintaining its traditional distribution channels and product quality, which has proven effective in sustaining its market presence [37][39]. Group 4: Financial Performance - After a revenue decline from 4.5 billion yuan in 2016 to 4.3 billion yuan in 2018, the company has seen a rebound, with projections for 2024 nearing 5.4 billion yuan, indicating a successful recovery strategy [20][42]. - The brand's pricing strategy, with products priced between 8 to 15 yuan, has established a price anchor in the market, making it difficult for competitors to undercut without sacrificing profitability [33]. Group 5: Global Expansion - Lao Gan Ma has expanded its reach to over 160 countries, with a 30% year-on-year growth in overseas revenue, showcasing its global appeal without extensive marketing efforts [42][43]. - The brand's international success is largely driven by word-of-mouth and its reputation as a "must-have" condiment among overseas Chinese communities [44].