Core Viewpoint - The bottled water market is experiencing a price war, with brands like Nongfu Spring, Wahaha, and Master Kong competing aggressively to bring prices back to around 1 yuan, while local favorites like "Jilin Divine Water" (Quanyuan Spring) are gaining popularity for their quality and low price [1][5][15]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The bottled water industry is seeing a shift towards lower prices, with many brands offering products for less than 1 yuan [1]. - Jilin's Quanyuan Spring is marketed as a high-quality mineral water, priced at 1.5 yuan, which has led to a local pride and competition among consumers [5][18]. - The competition is not just about price but also about the perceived quality of water sources, with Quanyuan Spring claiming to have superior water quality standards [15][18]. Group 2: Consumer Perception - Consumers in Jilin have a strong attachment to Quanyuan Spring, often claiming it is the best water available, which reflects a cultural significance attached to local products [9][15]. - The water's taste is described as sweet and refreshing, contributing to its popularity among locals who have grown up drinking it [9][15]. - The perception of quality is further enhanced by the water's source from the Changbai Mountain region, which is considered one of the world's top water sources [16][18]. Group 3: Industry Challenges - The logistics of transporting bottled water are challenging, with a "500-kilometer rule" indicating that water is typically not profitable to transport beyond this distance due to high costs [22][23]. - Quanyuan Spring's market is primarily concentrated in the Northeast region of China, with a 35% market share in Jilin, limiting its distribution [26]. - The industry faces issues with counterfeit products, particularly outside of Jilin, complicating the consumer's ability to access genuine Quanyuan Spring [5][22]. Group 4: Regulatory and Quality Standards - Quanyuan Spring adheres to higher quality standards than many competitors, using the GB/T20349 standard for natural mineral water, which is more stringent than the general GB 8537-2008 standard [15][18]. - The water source's geographical indication (GI) status adds to its prestige and marketability, making it a sought-after product [15][18]. - The importance of water source quality is emphasized, as it directly impacts pricing and consumer perception, with premium brands often linked to prestigious water sources [28][30].