Group 1 - The hot pot industry is experiencing significant growth, with the market size expected to reach 650 billion yuan in 2025, reflecting a 5.6% year-on-year increase in 2024 [5][12] - The emergence of "small hot pot" has gained popularity among young consumers due to its price advantage and casual dining experience, with 23,000 small hot pot outlets accounting for 5.5% of the total hot pot stores in China by July 2025 [8][9] - The trend towards "fresh" ingredients is reshaping consumer preferences, with brands like Haidilao focusing on fresh-cut offerings and transparency in food preparation [16] Group 2 - The hot pot market is characterized by diverse regional styles, with Sichuan and Chongqing hot pot maintaining a dominant position, while Guizhou sour soup hot pot has gained traction, showing a 118.14% increase in search interest on Douyin [13][16] - The competition is shifting from price wars to value creation, with brands emphasizing unique regional flavors and immersive dining experiences to attract consumers [22] - Innovative "hot pot+" concepts are emerging, enhancing the dining experience through thematic environments and collaborations with popular IPs, such as Haidilao's partnerships with various entertainment franchises [18][19]