Core Insights - McDonald's has reintroduced a classic milkshake that had been discontinued for years, leading to a surge in consumer demand and significant price inflation on secondary markets [1][3] Group 1: Product Launch - The milkshake was made available in 13 cities starting from August 13 and will be sold until August 31, featuring strawberry and vanilla flavors at a price of 15 yuan per cup [3] - Due to limited supply and no online sales, many stores are experiencing shortages, with customers waiting one to two hours and potentially facing sold-out situations [3] Group 2: Market Response - The high demand has led to a rise in reselling activities, with various listings on secondary platforms showing inflated prices; for instance, two cups originally priced at 30 yuan are being sold for 110 yuan by resellers, excluding delivery fees [3] - On weekends, the price for two cups can escalate to 150 yuan, and some posts indicate that the queueing service alone can cost 88 yuan [3] Group 3: Supply Dynamics - In Beijing, McDonald's milkshakes are available all day without time restrictions, but availability depends on the daily stock of ingredients [3] - Globally, many McDonald's locations offer milkshakes as regular menu items at prices comparable to around ten yuan [3]

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights the unexpected surge in popularity and price of the "Red Scream" beverage from Nongfu Spring, which has transformed from a poorly rated drink to a highly sought-after product, referred to as "liquid gold" [1][3] - The beverage was initially sold at 75 yuan per box (5 yuan per bottle) and quickly sold out, leading to a dramatic price increase on secondary markets, with prices reaching up to 8,900 yuan per box, representing a 118-fold markup [3][4] - The stock price of Nongfu Spring rose significantly, reaching 47.4 HKD, a 5.57% increase, and the market capitalization surpassed 530 billion HKD, marking a new high since January 2022 [1][5] Group 2 - Nongfu Spring's revenue for the first half of the year is expected to grow by 18% year-on-year, with profits increasing by 20%, driven by strong performance in tea and juice segments [5][6] - The company has successfully shifted its product strategy, with tea beverage revenue surpassing bottled water for the first time, and new flavors contributing to over 20% growth in the tea segment [6][7] - The competitive landscape has shifted due to the internal family dispute at Wahaha, leading to a decline in Wahaha's market share, which Nongfu Spring is poised to benefit from [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the surprising resurgence of the previously unpopular beverage "Red Scream" from Nongfu Spring, which has seen its price skyrocketing in the second-hand market despite being criticized as one of the "most undrinkable beverages" in China [5][7][10]. Group 1: Product Background - "Red Scream" was launched by Nongfu Spring targeting white-collar workers and brain workers with a "ginseng compound fruit flavor" [6]. - The beverage faced severe backlash upon release, receiving negative reviews and being labeled as one of the "top 5 most undrinkable beverages" in China [7][9]. - Following its poor market performance, "Red Scream" gradually faded from the market around 2018 [9]. Group 2: Recent Developments - In 2024, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the "Scream" brand, Nongfu Spring decided to relaunch a limited edition of "Red Scream," with 10,000 boxes available at a price of 75 yuan per box (5 yuan per bottle) [14][15]. - The limited edition sold out within three days on e-commerce platforms, despite its short shelf life of 12 months [16][17]. Group 3: Market Reaction - The second-hand market has seen prices for "Red Scream" bottles rise to between 48 and 200 yuan, with entire boxes being listed for as much as 1,000 yuan, marketed as "limited edition collectibles" [19]. - This phenomenon raises suspicions about the involvement of professional second-hand sellers capitalizing on the "limited edition" label [25]. Group 4: Consumer Behavior - The article notes that some consumers may be purchasing the beverage out of curiosity or nostalgia, wanting to experience the infamous taste for themselves [26][30]. - Content creators on social media are also buying such products to create engaging content, further driving demand [30][31]. Group 5: Company Response - Nongfu Spring has responded to the price inflation by stating that they will report the situation to relevant authorities and that future sales will depend on actual market performance [35]. - The company emphasized that the product contains beneficial ingredients, but the limited edition is nearing its expiration date, which could pose safety risks [38].