Core Viewpoint - Qianhe Flavor Industry has been recognized as a benchmark enterprise in quality and safety within the seasoning industry, receiving the "Quality Leading Benchmark Trust Award" at the 2025 Annual System Certification Customer Exchange Conference held in Foshan, Guangdong [1] Group 1: Quality Management and Safety - Quality control is essential for food safety, and Qianhe Flavor Industry integrates this principle throughout its production chain, establishing a comprehensive quality system that combines big data quality control with supply chain management [3] - The second phase of Qianhe's smart manufacturing project is set to commence production in May 2025, utilizing modern biotechnology and intelligent industrial equipment to transform traditional quality assurance methods into standardized and digitalized production control [3] - The central control room monitors every production process in real-time, with sensors tracking key indicators such as amino acid nitrogen, total acidity, and total nitrogen, conducting over 2,000 tests throughout raw material inspection, process inspection, and finished product inspection, achieving zero errors in CCP management over nearly a decade [3] Group 2: Consumer Trends and Product Innovation - As consumer quality demands rise, Qianhe Flavor Industry addresses the "ingredient list trap" by implementing new national standards for pre-packaged foods, with its Qianhe 0 series soy sauce being the first to display the ingredient list prominently on the front of the packaging [5] - The Qianhe 0 series soy sauce features clean, additive-free ingredients and has passed rigorous audits and testing by the China Quality Certification Center, achieving compliance, safety, and transparency standards, earning the first clean label product 0-level certification in the Chinese seasoning industry [5][7] Group 3: Industry Standards and Future Outlook - The clean label product certification standards, derived from the EU, require companies to establish a comprehensive risk control system from raw material selection to packaging and storage, with the 0-level being the highest certification grade [7] - Qianhe's achievement of the clean label product 0-level certification demonstrates the absence of human-added risks during processing, aligning with advanced standards in developed countries and positioning the company at the forefront of the industry [7] - With the combined efforts of industry, consumption, and distribution, it is projected that the market share of clean ingredient soy sauce will reach 63.9% in the next three years, indicating a market turning point for the widespread consumption of clean ingredient soy sauce in the Chinese seasoning industry [7]

Core Viewpoint - Qianhe Flavor Industry is undergoing a brand renewal and product upgrade following a "zero additive" controversy, with a focus on clean label products and compliance with new industry standards [2][3][5]. Group 1: Company Performance - In the first three quarters, Qianhe Flavor Industry reported a revenue of 1.987 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 13.17%, and a net profit of 260 million yuan, down 26.13% [2]. - The chairman acknowledged that the brand's reputation was damaged due to the controversy, estimating a recovery period of 10 to 12 months [2]. - The company began its brand renewal in September, aligning with national regulations and market trends towards clean label products [2][4]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The Chinese soy sauce market is projected to reach 104.1 billion yuan by 2024, shifting from basic demand to quality demand [5]. - The clean label soy sauce market is expected to capture 63.9% of the market share in the next three years, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences [5][6]. - The introduction of new national standards for soy sauce aims to enhance product quality and safety, phasing out inferior products and promoting pure grain brewing [3][4]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - New regulations prohibit misleading terms like "zero additives" and provide a two-year transition period for compliance [3]. - The "Soy Sauce Quality Standard" will be implemented by December 2026, emphasizing quality over mere compliance with production metrics [3][4]. - The clean label certification, aligned with EU standards, requires comprehensive risk management throughout the production process, with Qianhe achieving the highest level of certification [6]. Group 4: Future Strategy - Qianhe Flavor Industry plans to focus on four main product categories: soy sauce, vinegar, cooking wine, and oyster sauce, particularly in the clean label segment [6]. - The company is prioritizing international expansion, targeting markets in the US and Europe, while initially focusing on sales rather than production capacity abroad [6].

Core Insights - The event "2025 Qianhe Flavor Industry Product Renewal and Clean Label Product Level 0 Certification Launch" was held in Meishan, Sichuan, where Qianhe's 0 series soy sauce received the first Clean Label Product Level 0 certification in China's condiment industry, using only 4 to 5 clean ingredients [1] - The Chinese soy sauce market is projected to reach 104.1 billion yuan in 2024, with a shift from basic to quality demand, and clean ingredient soy sauce expected to dominate household purchases, capturing 63.9% of the premium soy sauce market by 2026 [2] - The new national standard for soy sauce, effective December 1, 2026, emphasizes quality over additives, reflecting a market demand for healthier and safer food options [2] Company Insights - Qianhe Flavor Industry has pioneered the implementation of the new national standards for pre-packaged food and the "dual reduction" initiative for additives, enhancing transparency in ingredient labeling [1] - The company has achieved large-scale production of clean ingredient soy sauce, which does not rely on external additives for flavor enhancement, positioning itself as a healthier alternative [2] - Qianhe's Clean Label Product Level 0 certification indicates a commitment to high standards in food safety and quality, aligning with international benchmarks [3] Industry Insights - The clean label certification standard, derived from the EU, requires a comprehensive risk management system from raw material selection to packaging, with Level 0 being the highest certification [3] - The shift towards clean ingredient soy sauce reflects a broader trend in the condiment industry towards quality competition and consumer safety demands, driven by policy guidance and changing consumer awareness [3]

Core Insights - Qianhe Flavor Industry has launched its 0-series soy sauce, achieving the first clean label product level 0 certification in China's condiment industry, indicating a significant milestone in product quality and safety standards [1][10]. Group 1: Product Development and Certification - The 0-series soy sauce has undergone a packaging upgrade since September, clearly indicating the use of 4 to 5 natural ingredients, aligning with regulatory requirements [3][7]. - The clean label product level 0 certification reflects a comprehensive risk control system from raw material selection to production and packaging, positioning Qianhe at the forefront of industry standards [10][12]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Demand - The Chinese soy sauce market is projected to reach a scale of 1,041 billion yuan by 2024, with a shift from basic to quality-driven consumption [4]. - Clean ingredient soy sauce is expected to become the preferred choice for households, with leading brands capturing 50% of the market share, and the segment's retail market share is anticipated to rise to 63.9% in the next three years [4][10]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - New regulations, including the "Soy Sauce Quality Standard" set to be implemented in December 2026, will guide the industry towards prioritizing quality over mere compliance with metrics [4][5]. - The "National Standard for Food Safety Prepackaged Food Labeling" will take effect in March 2027, clarifying the use of terms like "no additives," which will further standardize the industry [5]. Group 4: Company Strategy and Future Focus - Qianhe Flavor Industry aims to focus on the condiment sector, emphasizing product quality and compliance with new standards, while avoiding diversification into unfamiliar areas [12][13]. - The company has maintained a 100% compliance rate in product quality checks since 2014, reinforcing its commitment to safety and consumer trust [12].