Core Viewpoint - The trend of high-priced bread is becoming the norm in the market, with many consumers expressing surprise at the rising prices of bakery products, leading to discussions on social media platforms [1][4]. Group 1: Market Trends - High-priced bakery brands are rapidly expanding, with brands like "祐禾" (Youhe) opening over 100 stores nationwide, focusing on high-quality, visually appealing products with an average transaction value of 60 yuan [4]. - The online discourse around expensive bread has gained significant traction, with over 41,000 posts on Xiaohongshu and discussions on Weibo reaching over 50 million views [1]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The baking industry is undergoing a "high open, high close" dynamic adjustment period, with opening and closing rates for bakery brands projected at 37.1% and 34.2% respectively for 2024, indicating a rapid market reshuffle [5]. - Several traditional bakery brands are facing operational difficulties, with notable closures such as "静安面包房" (Jingan Bakery) reducing from over 80 stores to just 4, and "85度C" closing over 40 stores in mainland China this year [8]. Group 3: Cross-Industry Integration - The integration of baking with other sectors is accelerating, as tea, coffee, and hot pot brands are entering the baking market, altering the competitive landscape [9][12]. - Supermarkets are increasingly offering short-shelf-life baked goods, with products like "大润发" (RT-Mart) potato bread and "山姆" (Sam's Club) mochi and Swiss rolls achieving significant sales [12].