Core Viewpoint - Vitasoy International's performance in the mainland China market has been significantly impacted by a previous public relations crisis, leading to a decline in revenue and market competitiveness. Group 1: Financial Performance - For the six months ending September 30, Vitasoy International reported a revenue of HKD 3.227 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 6% [1] - Operating profit was HKD 247 million, down 4% year-on-year, while net profit attributable to shareholders slightly increased by 1% to HKD 172 million, largely due to cost-cutting measures that reduced total operating expenses by 7% [1] - Revenue from the mainland China market was HKD 1.778 billion, a decline of 9% year-on-year, with a slight decrease in gross margin to 51.1% due to lower product prices and increased promotional spending [1] Group 2: Market Challenges - The decline in Vitasoy's mainland market performance is attributed to a long-standing issue stemming from a public relations crisis in July 2021, which led to a significant drop in revenue and a shift from profit to loss in the 2022 fiscal year [3] - The company has faced ongoing revenue declines in the mainland market for two years, with only a slight recovery projected for the 2025 fiscal year [3] - Vitasoy's product and channel strategies are losing competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market, with traditional retail channels slowing down and consumers shifting towards e-commerce and chain snack stores [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The plant-based milk sector is experiencing growth, but the market's growth rate is slowing, with increased competition from both new and established brands [6] - The tea beverage segment is highly competitive, with a surge in demand for sugar-free tea leading to new brands gaining market share, impacting Vitasoy's lemon tea sales [6] Group 4: Management Perspective - Since the public relations crisis, Vitasoy has seen two changes in leadership for its mainland operations, with the founder's second-generation leader, Lo Yau Lee, still at the helm at the age of 84 [7] - The executive chairman expressed confidence in the long-term potential for growth in the mainland market, emphasizing plans to optimize channels and innovate products, focusing on low-sugar and sugar-free options [7]