Core Viewpoint - Yanjing Beer is strategically entering the soda market, launching the Beiste soda and planning to integrate beer and soda production, primarily targeting the restaurant sector to compete with major brands like Dajiao [1][2][8] Group 1: Market Context - The domestic beer market has reached a saturation point, with production peaking in 2013 and declining to 35.68 million kiloliters by 2022, indicating a shift to a stock market era [10][12] - In contrast, the carbonated beverage market is projected to grow, potentially exceeding 200 billion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5% to 8% [12][13] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Dajiao's revenue surpassed 3.2 billion yuan in 2023, making it a formidable competitor in the soda market [2] - Yanjing Beer’s Beiste soda is priced lower than Dajiao, with a supply price of 33 yuan per box compared to Dajiao's 38 yuan, allowing for greater profit margins for distributors [4][5] Group 3: Strategic Advantages - Yanjing Beer has an extensive distribution network, covering over 500,000 restaurant terminals, which overlaps significantly with soda channels, facilitating easier market entry for Beiste [5][8] - The company aims to achieve 80% coverage of its target terminals within three years, leveraging its existing beer sales infrastructure [5] Group 4: Financial Performance - Yanjing Beer reported a revenue of 14.667 billion yuan in 2024, a 3.2% increase from the previous year, with a net profit of 456 million yuan, marking a 63.74% growth [8][9] - The company’s high-end beer series, Yanjing U8, saw a 31.4% increase in sales volume in 2024, indicating strong performance despite market challenges [5][8] Group 5: Consumer Trends - The trend of "milk tea-ification" in beverages is gaining traction, with various brands introducing innovative flavors to attract younger consumers [14][19] - Yanjing Beer is attempting to reposition itself to appeal to younger demographics, who prioritize brand image and emotional value over just price [13][19]

Core Viewpoint - The beer industry is experiencing a decline, with a significant drop in production and changing consumer preferences leading to challenges for major companies [2][3][14]. Production Trends - In the first two months of 2025, the production of large-scale domestic beer enterprises decreased by 4.9% year-on-year [3]. - The downward trend in beer production has been ongoing since 2013, despite revenue growth during that period due to premiumization and price increases by major companies [4][7]. Market Dynamics - Major beer companies have adopted a strategy of high-end product offerings, with many launching beers priced above 10 yuan [9]. - Examples include Chongqing Beer and Carlsberg's restructuring to focus on mid-to-high-end products, and premium offerings from companies like China Resources and Budweiser [10][11]. Consumer Behavior - The decline in beer consumption is attributed to fewer drinking occasions and changing preferences, with many consumers opting for lower alcohol consumption [14][17]. - Data indicates that over half of consumers typically drink only 1-2 bottles at a time, reflecting a trend towards moderation [19]. Industry Response - Despite domestic sales declines, beer exports have increased, with a reported 50% growth since 2019, reaching 62.1 million liters in 2023 [21]. - Companies are diversifying their product lines, with examples including Qingdao Beer acquiring a yellow wine brand and other breweries venturing into soft drinks and liquor [22]. Conclusion - The beer industry is at a critical juncture, needing to identify new growth opportunities as the initial market excitement has waned [23].