Group 1 - McDonald's sold most of its stake in its mainland China and Hong Kong operations in 2017, leading to a name change to "Golden Arches (China) Co., Ltd," which sparked widespread discussion online [1] - The initial perception was that this represented a retreat of an international giant, but over the years, other global brands like Starbucks, Burger King, and COSTA have followed similar paths, indicating a broader trend [1] - This trend suggests a fundamental change in the rules of the game within the Chinese market [1] Group 2 - International brands have historically leveraged strong brand power, standardized operations, and advanced concepts like the "third space" to successfully educate and develop the Chinese market and consumers [2]

Core Viewpoint - The high-end ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs, once popular in China, is reportedly considering selling its Chinese operations due to declining performance and increased competition in the market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Häagen-Dazs has faced significant challenges in the Chinese market, with reports indicating a decline in store performance and a shift in consumer perception [2][3]. - In the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year, General Mills reported a 3% year-over-year decline in net sales, primarily attributed to decreased revenue from China and Brazil [3]. - Despite a double-digit growth in retail business in the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year, Häagen-Dazs has transitioned from a profit growth driver to a burden on the parent company, prompting considerations for divestiture [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The ice cream market in China is expected to continue growing at a double-digit rate annually, indicating strong potential despite the challenges faced by international brands [3][4]. - Häagen-Dazs has struggled with pricing issues, as its products are significantly more expensive in China compared to other markets, leading to consumer disillusionment [2][3]. - The trend of international brands seeking local partnerships is rising, with companies like Starbucks and Burger King exploring options to sell stakes to local investors [3][4].