Core Insights - The article highlights the shift in consumer behavior towards health and wellness, with traditional Chinese supplements like sea cucumber becoming mainstream choices for daily nutrition [1] Market Trends - The sea cucumber market is projected to reach 142.8 billion yuan in 2024, with a growth rate exceeding 7%, and is expected to surpass 160 billion yuan by 2026 [1] - The demand for sea cucumber is evolving due to changing consumer preferences, moving from traditional uses to a more scientific and accessible approach [1][2] Nutritional Aspects - The sea cucumber industry is transitioning from traditional dried products to fresh, convenient, and high-nutrition offerings, driven by consumer demand for healthier options [2] - Innovations like organic fresh-cooked sea cucumber are being introduced to meet the rising health consciousness among younger consumers [2] Price-Value Ratio - Over 30% of sea cucumber consumers are willing to pay a premium of over 10% for quality, indicating a shift from the perception that "expensive equals good" to a focus on value and transparency [3] - The industry is expected to move away from price wars and low-quality offerings towards a new phase of quality enhancement and brand trust [3] Consumption Methods - The industry is evolving towards high-quality consumption, with standardization and traceability becoming key competitive factors [4] - Technological advancements in processing, such as low-temperature cooking and sterilization, are enhancing the nutritional value and taste of sea cucumber products [4] Product Development - Fresh-cooked sea cucumber is rapidly gaining popularity due to its versatility, freshness, and convenience, although the market is still in the expansion phase [5] - The sea cucumber industry needs to innovate to create a more robust ecosystem, balancing high-end and everyday consumption to establish a diverse and healthy market environment [5]