Core Viewpoint - RIO's parent company, Bairun Co., is facing significant performance pressure as it transitions from a period of growth driven by the "stay-at-home economy" to a decline in revenue and profit, particularly in the ready-to-drink cocktail segment [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Bairun's total revenue was 1.489 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 8.56% [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 389 million yuan, down 3.32% year-on-year, while the net profit after deducting non-recurring gains and losses was 356 million yuan, a decrease of 9.04% [1]. - Revenue from alcoholic beverages, which account for 88% of total revenue, was 1.297 billion yuan, down 9.35% year-on-year [1]. Market Challenges - The North and West China markets are facing significant challenges, with revenues declining by 21.43% and 23.05% respectively, despite an increase in the number of distributors [2]. - RIO is experiencing dual pressures from declining internal growth momentum and disruptive shifts in consumer value [2][3]. Product and Competitive Landscape - RIO, once a market leader in the ready-to-drink cocktail segment, is losing its growth momentum due to weak consumption scenarios and a lack of price competitiveness compared to beer [3][4]. - The rise of diverse low-alcohol beverages, such as fruit wines and non-alcoholic beers, is further eroding RIO's market share [4]. - RIO's new product, jelly wine, aims to integrate the "tipsy" experience into casual snacking, but faces challenges in consumer motivation [4]. Sales Channels - Offline channels accounted for over 89% of RIO's revenue, which saw a year-on-year decline of 9.63%, while online channels made up about 11% with a slight decline of 0.57% [4]. - RIO's low sales in ready-to-drink formats indicate a misalignment with consumer purchasing behaviors, which favor impulse buys in physical stores [5][7]. Strategic Shift - In response to the stagnation in RIO's growth, Bairun is shifting its strategic focus towards developing its whiskey business, which has begun operations and is expected to contribute to future revenue [9][10]. - The whiskey segment aims to capture different market segments, with brands like "Bailide" targeting mass consumption and "Laizhou" focusing on premium offerings [9][10]. Profitability Concerns - Despite a relatively stable asset structure, Bairun faces risks related to high sales expenses, which have pressured profit margins [14][15]. - The company's gross profit margin for its main business was 70.51%, but high sales expenses of 301 million yuan significantly impacted profitability [14].

Core Insights - The rise of low-alcohol beverages, such as pre-mixed cocktails and fruit wines, reflects a strong competitive edge in meeting consumer demands for personalization, health, and diversity [1] - Qionglai, Sichuan, is leveraging its unique advantages to build a complete industrial chain for low-alcohol trendy drinks [1] Raw Material Foundation - The "slightly tipsy" concept has led many liquor companies to launch fruit-flavored products, with Qionglai's long-growing, high-quality green plum being a preferred choice for low-alcohol beverages [2] - Qionglai's geographical advantages contribute to a rich flavor profile and a robust supply of green plums, with an annual production of 300 tons, generating nearly 2 million yuan in income for local villagers [2] - The automated production process in Qionglai ensures high-quality fermentation and temperature control, crucial for the taste and quality of green plum wine [2] Development Infrastructure - Qionglai boasts 247,700 acres of fruit bases, producing 217,800 tons of quality fresh fruit annually, facilitating a seamless supply chain from cultivation to production [3] - The Tianfu Trendy Drink Park, the largest visualized low-alcohol beverage factory in Southwest China, is a key project for Qionglai's low-alcohol beverage industry, focusing on research, production, and technology promotion [3] Brand Innovation and Recognition - The implementation of the Chengdu Qionglai Regional Liquor Industry Development Promotion Measures and the establishment of the Chengdu Production Area Liquor Industry Alliance mark a new development phase for Qionglai's liquor industry [4] - Local brands like Misan and partnerships with external companies have fostered a sustainable development model, enhancing the industry cluster effect [4] - Misan green plum wine, with an alcohol content of 10.5%, has gained significant market traction, ranking highly on e-commerce platforms and launching collaborative products to boost brand influence [4] - The Chengdu Liquor Group is focusing on low-alcohol beverages and has signed a strategic cooperation agreement to enhance the green plum resource supply chain [4] Industry Transformation - Qionglai is reshaping the low-alcohol beverage industry's value chain through a comprehensive approach from raw material development to brand incubation, responding to consumer aspirations for a better life [5] - The low-alcohol beverage brands from Qionglai are gaining recognition in both national and global markets [5]