Core Viewpoint - The dessert industry faces significant challenges from the rapidly expanding new tea beverage sector, which is increasingly incorporating dessert items into their menus, leading to a blurred line between categories [1]. Market Dynamics - Top 10 new tea brands have increased their dessert SKU count by 170% over the past two years, with dessert sales now accounting for 18% of total sales, up from 5% [1]. - The dessert market is experiencing a slowdown in expansion among leading brands, while regional players are intensifying competition [1]. Company Strategy - The company plans to expand its franchise stores to over 2,000 in the next 3-5 years, targeting a net revenue of 1 billion from franchise operations [2]. - The company emphasizes a dual approach to supply chain management, balancing centralized production for core products with flexible supply chains for seasonal and trending items [14][15]. Competitive Landscape - The dessert sector is characterized by a lack of IPO cases, with leading brands like Baoshifu and Luxihe not yet listed, indicating a cautious approach to capital markets [3]. - The dessert market is currently in an "efficiency competition" phase, where companies must return to the fundamentals of business and respect single-store profitability to achieve sustainable growth [8]. Consumer Trends - The dessert market is primarily focused on intimate and family social settings, which limits its scene coverage compared to tea and coffee [5]. - There is a significant opportunity for dessert brands to innovate while maintaining traditional elements, as consumer preferences evolve [6][16]. Future Outlook - The company aims to achieve 500 direct-operated stores and 1 billion in net revenue from direct sales, alongside 1 billion from retail operations, while expanding its franchise network [19]. - The future of the dessert industry will likely hinge on enhancing consumer experience, adapting to changing lifestyles and consumption patterns [18].