Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the need for transparency in the prepared food industry to build trust with consumers [1] - The real challenge faced by the prepared food sector is not technological but rather establishing a trust bond with consumers [1] - The development of the restaurant industry should focus on serving the public, ensuring efficiency and convenience while meeting the public's need for safe and understandable food [1] Group 2 - Discussions about prepared food should move towards a rational and constructive direction to improve the development environment of the industry [1] - Optimizing governance is essential to promote standardized behavior among companies and protect consumers' right to know [1] - Gaining public trust is crucial for the future success of the prepared food industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions surrounding "pre-prepared dishes" have sparked widespread public interest, emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness and the need for transparency in the industry [2][3][4]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Pre-prepared Dishes - Pre-prepared dishes are defined as meals made from one or more food products that undergo industrial pre-processing without preservatives, requiring heating or cooking before consumption [4][12]. - The concept of pre-prepared dishes is not new, as methods like marinating and curing have been used historically in the food industry [4]. - The use of pre-prepared dishes can significantly enhance operational efficiency in the restaurant industry, particularly in fast-food settings, by allowing quick replication of flavors [4][6]. Group 2: Consumer Concerns and Industry Challenges - Consumer concerns regarding pre-prepared dishes primarily revolve around food safety and the right to know about the food they consume [3][7]. - There is a lack of clear definitions and standards for pre-prepared dishes, leading to confusion and mistrust among consumers [8][9]. - Some businesses misrepresent pre-prepared dishes as freshly cooked meals, which undermines consumer trust and raises ethical concerns [8][9]. Group 3: Regulatory and Industry Developments - Recent initiatives aim to promote the high-quality development of the pre-prepared dish industry, including the establishment of cold chain logistics and quality raw material bases [9]. - Experts suggest that standardization, transparency, and innovation are crucial for the future of the pre-prepared dish industry [10]. - Regulatory bodies are encouraged to implement a disclosure system for pre-prepared dishes in restaurants to protect consumer rights [10][16]. Group 4: Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Ensuring food safety in the production and distribution of pre-prepared dishes is essential, with calls for stricter oversight and adherence to safety standards [15][17]. - The prohibition of preservatives in pre-prepared dishes aligns with consumer expectations for fresh and safe food options [17]. - The industry must focus on risk management throughout the supply chain to maintain food safety and quality [17].

Core Viewpoint - The discussion around "pre-prepared dishes" reflects consumer concerns about their right to know and the demand for improved food quality in the restaurant industry [1][5]. Group 1: Definition and Characteristics of Pre-prepared Dishes - Pre-prepared dishes are defined as packaged meals made from one or more food products, processed industrially without preservatives, and requiring heating or cooking before consumption [2]. - The use of pre-prepared dishes can enhance operational efficiency in the restaurant industry, particularly in fast-food settings, by allowing restaurants to replicate flavors in minutes [2]. Group 2: Safety and Nutritional Aspects - Fresh ingredients retain more nutrients, but pre-prepared dishes can meet caloric and nutritional needs if produced, transported, stored, and cooked according to food safety standards [3]. Group 3: Industry Practices and Consumer Concerns - Large chain restaurants commonly use pre-prepared dishes due to safety regulations and cost efficiency, which can enhance customer experience by speeding up service [4]. - Concerns arise from small-scale restaurants where food safety may be compromised, leading to a negative perception of pre-prepared dishes as low-quality [5]. - The lack of clear definitions and standards for pre-prepared dishes contributes to consumer uncertainty and mistrust [5]. Group 4: Regulatory and Developmental Initiatives - The industry is encouraged to promote transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes to protect consumer rights [5][8]. - Various regions are implementing measures to support the high-quality development of the pre-prepared dish industry, including building cold chain logistics and developing quality raw material bases [7]. Group 5: Future Directions for the Industry - Experts suggest that standardization, transparency, and innovation are essential for the future of the pre-prepared dish industry [8]. - There is a call for the establishment of national standards for the production and handling of pre-prepared dishes, as well as a system to inform consumers about their use in restaurants [8].

Core Viewpoint - The discussion revolves around whether the dishes served at Xibei restaurants are considered pre-prepared meals, with the China Chain Store & Franchise Association having previously provided clarity on this matter [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Insights - According to the "2022 China Chain Catering Industry Report," the use of pre-prepared meals by catering enterprises can reduce overall costs by 8% [7]. - An increasing number of catering businesses are adopting pre-prepared meals through central kitchens or partnerships with pre-prepared meal producers, with leading chain restaurants showing a high usage rate of over 80% [7]. - The rising chain rate in China's catering industry is expected to drive B-end chain restaurants to expand their application of pre-prepared meal products, contributing to the maturation of the entire pre-prepared meal supply chain [7]. Group 2: Company Response - In response to the allegations, Xibei's management conducted a live broadcast on September 11, showcasing the entire kitchen operation process, including ingredient handling, cooking, and serving [7]. - During the live stream, Xibei's team displayed various ingredients and packaging, including a bagged chicken soup product, asserting that these items comply with new regulations and do not fall under the category of pre-prepared meals [10]. - Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong, emphasized that according to national regulations, none of their dishes are classified as pre-prepared meals, asserting that they are 100% freshly made [10]. Group 3: Company Background - Xibei, originally known as "Xibei Youmian Village," was founded by Jia Guolong in November 2001 and is headquartered in Beijing, specializing in Chinese casual dining and Northwest cuisine [13]. - The brand traces its origins back to a small eatery in Inner Mongolia in 1988, with formal registration occurring in 1993 [13]. - Xibei plans to complete an IPO by 2026, aiming to achieve a market value exceeding 100 billion [13].

Core Insights - The report highlights that major chain restaurants in China, such as Zhen Gongfu, Yoshinoya, and Xibei, have over 80% of their dishes made from pre-prepared ingredients [1] Industry Summary - The pre-prepared food industry is gaining significant traction in China, with a notable percentage of dishes in leading chain restaurants being pre-made [1] - The Chinese Chain Operation Association has previously addressed the question regarding whether dishes at Xibei restaurants are pre-prepared, indicating a level of transparency in the industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - The discussion around whether the dishes at Xibei restaurant are pre-prepared has been addressed by the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, which provides authoritative insights into the industry [4][5]. Industry Insights - According to the "2022 China Chain Catering Industry Report," the use of pre-prepared dishes by catering enterprises can reduce overall costs by 8% [3]. - An increasing number of catering businesses are adopting pre-prepared dishes through central kitchens or partnerships with pre-prepared food manufacturers, with leading chain restaurants utilizing pre-prepared dishes at rates exceeding 80%, as seen with Xibei [3]. - The trend towards standardization, scalability, and industrialization in the catering industry is expected to drive the application of pre-prepared food products, leading to a more mature supply chain in the pre-prepared food sector [3].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the restaurant chain "Xibei" involves allegations of using pre-prepared dishes, with significant public discourse initiated by influencer Luo Yonghao, who criticized the high cost and prevalence of such dishes in Xibei's offerings [1][4]. Group 1: Company Response - Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong, responded to the allegations, asserting that the restaurant does not use pre-prepared dishes as defined by national standards, emphasizing that their food is prepared on-site and not pre-packaged [1][4]. - Jia expressed that the terms "pre-prepared" and "pre-prepared dishes" are distinct, clarifying that their cooking process involves pre-preparation but does not equate to serving pre-packaged meals [1]. Group 2: Industry Context - The pre-prepared dish industry is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for cost reduction and efficiency in the restaurant sector, with a reported 8% decrease in overall costs for restaurants utilizing pre-prepared dishes [4]. - Major chain restaurants, including Xibei, are reported to have a pre-prepared dish usage rate exceeding 80%, indicating a significant trend towards standardization and industrialization in the food service industry [4][5]. - The growth of food delivery platforms has further accelerated the shift towards pre-prepared meals, with estimates suggesting that 70% of delivery merchants utilized pre-packaged meals in 2022 [5].

Core Insights - The prepared food industry is experiencing explosive growth, with significant sales figures and market potential [1][3][23] Market Overview - The prepared food market in China reached a scale of 485 billion yuan in 2024, marking a year-on-year growth of 33.8%, and is expected to exceed 617.3 billion yuan in 2025 and reach 749 billion yuan by 2026 [3][23] - In Hong Kong, it is estimated that at least 60% of restaurants use some form of prepared food [3] Industry Trends - Prepared foods are defined as convenient food options that require minimal preparation, such as heating or light cooking [5] - Regulatory measures are being strengthened, including a ban on preservatives, which is pushing the industry towards standardized development [5][19] Entrepreneurial Success Stories - Entrepreneurs like Mao Zuxuan, a former Huawei executive, have successfully transitioned into the prepared food industry, achieving significant sales milestones [7][23] - The success of prepared food products, such as a popular stir-fried meat dish, demonstrates the potential for high sales volumes [7] Market Positioning and Strategy - Successful entrepreneurs focus on niche markets and regional specialties to differentiate their products [9] - Innovations in lesser-known seafood ingredients and regional dishes are effective strategies to overcome market homogenization [9] Production and Technology - Entrepreneurs face a critical decision between small-batch custom production and large-scale industrial production [13] - The application of digital technologies and automation in production can enhance efficiency and product quality [15] Sales Channels - Diversifying sales channels beyond traditional dining options is crucial, with e-commerce and social media marketing being key strategies [17] - Collaborations with restaurants and delivery platforms can expand market reach and stabilize order volumes [17] Challenges - The industry faces challenges related to food safety and flavor authenticity, necessitating efforts to rebuild consumer trust [19] - Companies must focus on meeting consumer demands for freshness, healthiness, and taste [19] Regional Distribution - The majority of prepared food enterprises are concentrated in provinces like Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu, with Shandong having the highest number of companies [21] - These regions benefit from established food industrial bases and logistics systems, providing a supportive environment for new ventures [21] Future Outlook - The market penetration of prepared foods is expected to rise over the next five years due to technological advancements and improved production processes [23] - Entrepreneurs are advised to prioritize product innovation, food safety, and flexible sales strategies to capitalize on the growing market [23]

Group 1 - The number of existing and active prepared food-related enterprises in China exceeds 74,000 as of now [1][4] - Approximately 9,500 new registered related enterprises have been added in 2025, with a peak registration expected in 2024, surpassing 10,000 [1][4] - The registration trend shows a steady increase in the number of prepared food enterprises before 2020, a decline during 2021-2022 due to the pandemic, and a recovery starting in 2023 [1][4] Group 2 - The top three provinces with the highest number of prepared food-related enterprises are Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu, collectively accounting for over 24,000 enterprises, or 35.5% of the total [1][4] - Approximately 7.18% of prepared food-related enterprises are involved in judicial cases according to Tianyancha's risk assessment [3][4]

Group 1: Company Performance and Strategy - The company held a performance briefing for the fiscal year 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 on June 3, 2025, via the Shanghai Stock Exchange's online platform [1] - As of the end of 2024, the company had a total of 1,744 franchise stores, with plans to enhance store upgrades and expand online-to-offline (O2O) channels to improve customer experience and market competitiveness [2][4] - Approximately 90% of the company's products are delivered using its own cold chain logistics vehicles, with plans to increase this capacity while maintaining partnerships with third-party logistics providers [3] Group 2: Industry Challenges and Opportunities - The prepared food industry faces challenges such as inconsistent standards, food safety concerns, and regulatory issues, but the company believes that high-quality products will be favored by consumers in the long term [2] - The company aims to enhance its brand influence and market presence by collaborating with major supermarkets and developing products tailored to specific market needs [4] - The prepared food industry is expected to grow rapidly, driven by diverse consumer demands and increasing competition, necessitating strong brand development and adherence to emerging industry standards [5]