Core Insights - The article discusses a unique small restaurant in Chengdu that exclusively sells pre-packaged and semi-finished foods, challenging the prevailing negative perceptions of pre-prepared meals in the industry [5][10][20] - The owner, Ge Shixian, views the establishment as an experiment rather than a profit-driven business, aiming to explore consumer attitudes towards industrial food and pre-prepared meals [5][14][20] Summary by Sections Restaurant Concept - The restaurant operates for only three hours a day, offering items like hot dry noodles for 2 yuan and the most expensive dish for 13 yuan, attracting a loyal customer base [5][14] - Ge Shixian, the owner, identifies as an "industrial food blogger" and has a background in food processing, which informs his approach to the restaurant [3][10] Industry Trends - The restaurant serves as a microcosm for observing trends in the food industry, particularly the growing acceptance of pre-prepared meals among younger consumers [5][16] - A survey by the China Hotel Association indicates that 61.5% of respondents are willing to frequently purchase pre-prepared meals, a significant increase from previous years [16][20] Consumer Perception - Ge Shixian has developed methods to distinguish between freshly made and pre-prepared dishes, suggesting that poor taste may often be associated with freshly cooked meals due to a lack of culinary skill [7][10] - The article highlights a shift in consumer attitudes, with younger generations showing a natural acceptance of industrial food products, provided they are affordable and of good quality [16][20] Market Growth - The pre-prepared food market in China reached 361.6 billion yuan in 2023, with an annual growth rate of 20%-35%, projected to reach 749 billion yuan by 2026 [20] - The increasing standardization and transparency in food production processes are reshaping Chinese dining culture and consumer preferences [20]

Core Viewpoint - The pre-prepared food industry is currently facing scrutiny, with many dining enterprises distancing themselves from it due to negative consumer perceptions associated with freshness and healthiness [2] Group 1: Company Performance - Salvia, a Japanese chain Italian restaurant brand, reported a sales revenue of 188.339 billion yen for the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 15.4% [4] - The company achieved a net profit of 7.7 billion yen, with a year-on-year increase of over 50% [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Despite the controversy surrounding pre-prepared food, Salvia appears to be largely unaffected, possibly due to its affordable pricing strategy [3] - The negative perception of pre-prepared food among consumers is partly linked to high prices and quality mismatches, as well as the use of frozen meal packages [3] - Salvia employs a transparent approach by allowing customers to see the preparation process in some locations, which may enhance consumer trust [3] Group 3: Industry Trends - The pre-prepared food market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but has also faced issues of consumer distrust due to low entry barriers leading to unregulated growth [4] - As market regulation tightens, the industry may undergo a new round of reshuffling, favoring leading brands and pushing dining enterprises towards more transparent practices regarding pre-prepared food [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need for transparency in the pre-prepared food industry in China, highlighting the lack of internal motivation among companies and the necessity for mandatory national standards to protect consumer rights and choices [3][4][5]. Group 1: Current Situation and Standards - The State Council's Food Safety Office is accelerating the development of national standards for pre-prepared foods due to rising public concern, particularly following a public dispute involving a well-known figure and a restaurant chain [3][4]. - Currently, there are no national standards for pre-prepared foods in China, although various industry and local standards exist, which lack the enforcement power of national regulations [3][4][8]. - The definition of pre-prepared foods has been clarified by the National Market Supervision Administration, but there are no mandatory labeling requirements for restaurants regarding their use of such foods [4][8]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics and Consumer Perception - The restaurant industry in China is experiencing significant growth in chain operations, with the chain rate increasing from 12.8% in 2018 to 23% in 2024, driven by advancements in supply chain technologies [5]. - Consumers are increasingly confused about pre-prepared foods, often associating higher prices with freshly made dishes, leading to skepticism about the value of pre-prepared options [5][6]. - The blurred lines between "freshly made" and "pre-prepared" foods have created a need for clear national standards to restore consumer trust and address industry chaos [4][5]. Group 3: Challenges and Recommendations - There is a lack of proactive transparency among pre-prepared food companies, with few voluntarily disclosing their use of such products, as it is seen as a burden without clear consumer benefits [4][8]. - The complexity of the supply chain for pre-prepared foods, from sourcing to consumption, lacks unified management, complicating the establishment of standards [8]. - Experts suggest that third-party oversight and legislative measures are necessary to improve transparency and safety in the pre-prepared food sector, with a national standard expected to clarify the identity and usage of pre-prepared foods [8].

Group 1 - The core issue surrounding the controversy over pre-prepared meals is not whether they should be used, but rather if consumers' rights to information and choice are being respected [1][2] - Research indicates that over 50% of consumers in fast food chains are open to pre-prepared meals, while only 8.8% in high-end restaurants are accepting, highlighting that the issue lies in the consumption context rather than the product itself [1][2] - The pre-prepared meal market in China is projected to reach 485 billion yuan in 2024 and exceed 617.3 billion yuan by 2025, indicating a rapidly growing market with over 30 listed companies in the A-share market [2] Group 2 - The main problem with pre-prepared meals is the lack of transparency, as there are currently no standardized regulations governing the raw materials, processing, and logistics involved [2] - A draft national standard for food safety regarding pre-prepared meals has passed review and will soon seek public opinion, which is expected to enhance industry transparency and lead to a significant reshaping of the market [2] - The emergence of pre-prepared meals is seen as a necessary evolution in the modern dining industry, addressing efficiency issues while highlighting the need for trust and transparency in the sector [2][3]

Group 1 - The core debate between Luo Yonghao and Xibei highlights the lack of standardized definitions and regulations in the prepared food industry, which is crucial for its healthy development [1][3] - The prepared food industry in China is projected to reach a market size of 485 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 33.8%, and is expected to exceed 749 billion yuan by 2026 [1][2] - The industry serves as an important vehicle for the integration of agriculture and the catering sector, promoting agricultural efficiency and farmers' income [1] Group 2 - The prepared food industry faces challenges such as inconsistent standards, food safety concerns, and an incomplete regulatory framework, which demand higher quality and innovation from companies [2][3] - A draft national standard for food safety in prepared foods, led by the National Health Commission, is set to be publicly reviewed, which will clarify the identity of prepared foods and enforce mandatory disclosure for their use in restaurants [2] - The recent market response to the news of the upcoming standards has been positive, with significant stock price increases for related companies [2]

Core Viewpoint - The debate between Luo Yonghao and Xibei highlights the issues within the rapidly growing prepared food industry in China, revealing both challenges and opportunities for healthy industry development [1][2]. Industry Growth - The prepared food industry in China is projected to reach a market size of 485 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 33.8%, and is expected to exceed 749 billion yuan by 2026 [1]. - The industry plays a crucial role in integrating agriculture and promoting efficiency, increasing farmers' income, standardizing the catering industry, and meeting consumer demand for convenience [1]. Industry Challenges - The industry faces several challenges, including inconsistent standards, food safety concerns, and an incomplete regulatory framework [2]. - The debate over the definition and standards of prepared food reflects the lack of unified standards in the industry, which is essential for resolving misunderstandings [3]. Regulatory Developments - A draft of the "National Standard for Food Safety of Prepared Foods," led by the National Health Commission, has passed review and will soon seek public opinion, aiming to establish a unified definition and mandatory disclosure for the use of prepared foods in restaurants [2]. Market Response - Following the news of the upcoming national standards, related stocks in the prepared food sector saw significant gains, with companies like Delisi hitting the daily limit, and others like Tiankang Biological and Longda Meishi rising over 5% [2]. Quality and Consumer Trust - Quality is identified as the lifeline of the prepared food industry, with consumer anxiety over quality being a central issue. Companies must prioritize quality to gain market respect and consumer choice [3]. - The establishment of standards and transparency is crucial for the healthy development of the industry, enabling consumers to make informed choices and pushing companies to enhance product quality [3].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rapid growth and societal debate surrounding the pre-prepared meal industry in China, highlighting the tension between industrial efficiency and personalized culinary experiences [1][4]. Industry Overview - The pre-prepared meal market in China is projected to exceed 800 billion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of over 20%, supported by nearly 70,000 companies across the entire supply chain from farm to table [4][5]. Consumer Concerns - Health Issues: Concerns about nutrient loss (30%-50% for sensitive vitamins) and the use of additives have led to skepticism about the safety of pre-prepared meals, with incidents of substandard ingredients damaging industry trust [5][6]. - Cultural Impact: The unique flavors and aromas associated with traditional cooking are often lost in pre-prepared meals, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and complaints about value [6][7]. - Information Asymmetry: A significant portion of consumers (68%) cannot distinguish between pre-prepared and freshly made meals, raising issues of transparency and consumer rights violations [7][8]. Industry Response - Standardization Efforts: National standards for pre-prepared meals are under final review, aiming to clarify ingredient sourcing and processing methods, with some companies already implementing labeling requirements [8][9]. - Technological Innovations: Companies are exploring advanced technologies to preserve flavors and nutrients, such as liquid nitrogen freezing and high-pressure sterilization, to enhance product quality [9][10]. - Consumer Education: There is a push for better consumer understanding of pre-prepared meals, with initiatives aimed at promoting informed choices and transparency in food sourcing [10][11]. Future Trends - The emergence of a new consumer base, particularly Generation Z, is reshaping the value of pre-prepared meals, transitioning from mere convenience to creative culinary tools [12]. - The ongoing evolution of pre-prepared meals reflects a broader cultural shift, balancing industrial efficiency with the preservation of culinary traditions and health standards [12].

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding pre-prepared dishes (pre-cooked meals) has led to significant movements in related stocks in the A-share market, highlighting the industry's potential for growth and the need for transparency and standardization in the sector [1][2][11]. Stock Movements - On September 15, several pre-prepared dish concept stocks saw notable increases, with Delisi hitting the daily limit, and other companies like Huifa Foods and Sanjiang Shopping also experiencing significant gains [1][2]. - The stock price movements were influenced by the ongoing public debate sparked by the conflict between Xibei Restaurant and Luo Yonghao regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes [2]. Industry Response - Xibei issued an apology acknowledging the gap between its production methods and customer expectations, committing to adjust its processing methods to enhance customer experience by moving more preparation to the storefront [2][11]. - The company plans to implement changes by October 1, 2025, including switching to non-GMO soybean oil for all dishes cooked with soybean oil [2]. Media Coverage - Major media outlets like People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, and CCTV have published articles discussing the implications of the pre-prepared dish debate, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights and the need for clearer standards in the industry [11][12]. - The discussions raised critical questions about how to define pre-prepared dishes, reduce information asymmetry, and ensure quality while providing convenient services [11]. Regulatory Framework - In March 2024, a joint notice from several regulatory bodies will clarify the definition of pre-prepared dishes and outline safety regulations to promote high-quality development in the industry [12]. - The notice emphasizes the need for transparency in the use of pre-prepared dishes in restaurants, ensuring consumers are informed about what they are consuming [12]. Industry Growth Potential - According to Huaxin Securities, the pre-prepared dish industry in China is expected to grow significantly, with a projected revenue of 475.7 billion yuan by 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% from 2019 to 2022 [14]. - The per capita consumption of pre-prepared dishes has increased from 5.4 kg in 2013 to 9.1 kg in 2022, indicating room for growth compared to more mature markets [14]. - The industry is anticipated to undergo consolidation, with increased market concentration as competition stabilizes [14].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing debate between Luo Yonghao and Xibei highlights the urgent need for standardization, transparency, and quality improvement in the prepared food industry, which is crucial for its healthy development [1][2][3][4][5][6] Group 1: Industry Context - The prepared food market in China is projected to exceed 600 billion yuan by 2025 and may reach a trillion yuan by 2026 [2] - The penetration rate of prepared food in chain restaurants has reached 80%, with 42% of takeout orders consisting of prepared dishes [2] Group 2: Standardization - Standardization is essential for establishing a unified language and rules within the prepared food sector, as the lack of standards leads to confusion among consumers and businesses [3] - A draft for the national food safety standards for prepared food is set to be publicly reviewed, which could help clarify the identity of prepared food [3] Group 3: Transparency - Transparency is vital for restoring consumer trust, as the lack of clear definitions and information about prepared food has led to consumer dissatisfaction [4] - Companies that openly disclose their food preparation methods, like Laoxiangji, have received positive feedback, indicating that transparency can enhance consumer confidence [4] Group 4: Quality - Quality is the core of the prepared food industry's survival, as consumer anxiety over quality issues has been a significant concern [5] - Prepared food must evolve from merely meeting basic needs to becoming a valued choice for consumers, necessitating a focus on safety, health, and quality [5] Group 5: Future Implications - The Xibei incident should serve as a catalyst for self-reform within the restaurant industry, promoting the prepared food sector's growth and maturity [6] - Companies that prioritize standardization and transparency are likely to gain market respect and consumer loyalty [6]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing debate between Luo Yonghao and Xibei highlights the urgent need for standardization, transparency, and quality improvement in the prepared food industry, which is crucial for its healthy development [1][2][3][4][5][6] Group 1: Industry Context - The prepared food market in China is projected to exceed 600 billion yuan by 2025 and may reach a trillion yuan by 2026 [2] - The penetration rate of prepared food in chain restaurants has reached 80%, with 42% of takeout orders consisting of prepared dishes [2] Group 2: Standardization - Standardization is essential for establishing a common language and rules within the prepared food sector, as the lack of standards leads to confusion among consumers and businesses [3] - A draft for the national food safety standards for prepared food is set to be publicly reviewed, which could unify the definition and standards for prepared food [3] Group 3: Transparency - Transparency is vital for restoring consumer trust, as the lack of clear information about prepared food has led to consumer dissatisfaction [4] - Companies that openly disclose their food preparation processes, like Laoxiangji, have received positive feedback, indicating that transparency can enhance consumer confidence [4] Group 4: Quality - Quality is the core of the prepared food industry's survival, as consumer anxiety over quality issues has been a significant concern [5] - The industry must shift from being perceived as merely convenient to being recognized for safety, health, and quality, making quality a competitive advantage [5] Group 5: Future Implications - The Xibei incident should serve as a catalyst for self-reform within the restaurant industry, promoting the prepared food sector's evolution [6] - Legal standards should be established to ensure consumer rights, while companies that prioritize honesty and transparency will gain market respect [6]