Core Insights - The article discusses the rising trend of Chinese snack brands expanding into international markets, driven by intense domestic competition and the need for growth opportunities [2][3]. Group 1: Market Trends - Chinese snacks have become popular not only among overseas Chinese but also among local young consumers in foreign markets [1]. - Social media influencers are showcasing Chinese snacks like spicy strips and sunflower seeds, indicating a growing acceptance and demand in regions like Southeast Asia [2]. - Domestic brands are facing challenges due to increased competition from low-cost retailers, prompting them to seek growth abroad [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Qiaqia Foods reported a 6.4% decline in domestic revenue, while overseas revenue grew by 13.18% [2]. - Weidong's overseas revenue surged by 54.4%, significantly outpacing its domestic growth of around 20% [2]. - Yanjinpuzi's overseas business saw an astonishing growth of 67,800% due to a low base effect [2]. Group 3: Historical Context - The trend of Chinese snacks going international began in the early 2000s, with Qiaqia Foods being one of the pioneers [4]. - Initial international efforts were primarily focused on Chinese communities abroad, limiting brand reach [4]. - A shift occurred in 2015 when Qiaqia began to focus on brand storytelling and international trademark registration [4]. Group 4: Market Strategies - Qiaqia emphasizes offline channels, targeting high-traffic convenience stores like 7-Eleven in Thailand, which holds a 70% market share in the local convenience store sector [6]. - Three squirrels adopted an online strategy, launching flagship stores on platforms like Lazada and Amazon, and utilizing social media for brand promotion [7]. - Post-2018, brands have shown increased initiative and sophistication in their international strategies, reflecting a better alignment with market positioning [7]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Despite the growth, Chinese snack brands still face significant competition from established Western and Japanese brands in international markets [8]. - Unique Chinese snacks like spicy strips and quail eggs are being positioned as niche products to carve out market space [8][9]. Group 6: Localization and Compliance - Successful international brands like Weidong have adapted their products to local tastes, such as offering milder flavors in Italy and incorporating local ingredients in Southeast Asia [10]. - Compliance with local food regulations is critical, as different countries have varying standards that can impact product viability [11][12]. - The need for halal certification in Indonesia and strict labeling requirements in Western markets highlight the complexities of international expansion [12]. Group 7: Long-term Strategies - Companies are moving from merely exporting products to establishing local production facilities, which helps reduce logistics costs and respond to local demand [14][15]. - Qiaqia has invested significantly in overseas production, with its first factory in Thailand contributing to a notable increase in overseas revenue [15]. - The long-term goal is to integrate into global supply chains, enhancing brand recognition and acceptance similar to established brands like Oreo [15].

Core Insights - The Chinese snack market is undergoing significant changes, with a market size reaching 1.1 trillion yuan in 2024, but the annual growth rate is expected to slow to 2%-3% from 2024 to 2027, indicating a shift in market dynamics rather than a decline in vitality [2][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The rapid emergence of discount snack stores is a notable trend, with the number of such stores expected to increase from over 1,000 in 2020 to 45,000 by mid-2025, averaging nearly 30 new stores opening daily [4]. - The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for discount stores from 2019 to 2024 is projected at 38%, significantly outpacing traditional supermarkets [4]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly drawn to discount stores primarily for cost savings, with prices typically 25% lower than traditional supermarkets due to direct partnerships with manufacturers [6]. - Discount stores offer flexible product options, catering to younger consumers who prefer smaller, varied purchases, thus reducing waste [6]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The discount store sector is expected to continue growing, with potential for over 70,000 stores in the future, while major players like "零食很忙" and "赵一鸣" dominate nearly two-thirds of the market [8]. - The return period for investments in this sector is lengthening, from one year to potentially three years, necessitating careful risk assessment for potential investors [8]. Group 4: Retail Channel Shifts - Traditional supermarkets and grocery stores held 80% of the market share in 2015, but this is projected to drop to 50% by 2025, reflecting a significant shift in retail dynamics [10]. - E-commerce is also evolving, with consumers increasingly purchasing snacks through content platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou, rather than traditional e-commerce sites [12][13]. Group 5: International Expansion - Southeast Asia is emerging as a new market for snack manufacturers, with growth rates in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia outpacing domestic growth since 2021 [15]. - The combined snack market of five major Southeast Asian countries is expected to reach 29% of China's market share by 2029, driven by cultural similarities and economic growth [15][17]. Group 6: Strategic Adaptation - Companies must adapt to changing channels and consumer preferences, as traditional sales methods become less effective. Brands like Wei Long and Yan Jin Pu Zi have already embraced new channels and marketing strategies [19]. - The snack industry is entering a new development phase, where adapting to channel changes is crucial for sustained growth and success [21].

Core Viewpoint - Brands must move beyond relying on hit products for quick profits; only by deeply respecting and understanding local markets can sustainable growth be achieved [16] Group 1: Market Trends - Chinese snacks have become popular not only among overseas Chinese but also among local young consumers, with products like spicy strips and sunflower seeds gaining traction [3] - The domestic market for snacks is highly competitive, prompting brands to seek growth opportunities abroad as domestic revenues stagnate [3][4] - For instance, Qiaqia Foods reported a 6.4% decline in domestic revenue while experiencing a 13.18% increase in overseas revenue in the first half of the year [3] Group 2: International Expansion - The trend of Chinese snack brands going overseas began in the early 2000s, with Qiaqia Foods being a notable example [4] - Qiaqia established its first overseas office in Vietnam in 2008, marking the start of its international strategy [4] - By 2016, Qiaqia's overseas revenue grew by 48.58%, and the brand has maintained double-digit growth in subsequent years [5] Group 3: Market Entry Strategies - Qiaqia focuses on offline channels, targeting convenience stores like 7-Eleven in Thailand, which holds a 70% market share in the local convenience store sector [6] - The brand faced challenges entering 7-Eleven due to existing local competitors and stringent entry standards [6][7] - In contrast, Three Squirrels adopted an online-first approach, launching flagship stores on platforms like Lazada and Amazon in 2018 [8][9] Group 4: Product Localization - Successful brands like Weidong have adapted their products to local tastes, such as offering milder flavors in Italy and incorporating local ingredients in Southeast Asia [14][15] - Compliance with local food regulations is crucial, as different countries have varying standards that can impact product availability [15] Group 5: Supply Chain Development - Companies like Qiaqia and Yanjin Puhui are shifting from merely exporting products to establishing local production facilities, enhancing their supply chain capabilities [16][17] - Qiaqia invested 500 million yuan in a sunflower seed factory in Thailand, which has become a significant asset for the brand [16][18] - As of the first half of this year, Qiaqia's overseas revenue reached 278 million yuan, accounting for 10.1% of total revenue, with a higher gross margin compared to domestic operations [18]

Core Insights - The Chinese snack industry, valued at over 1 trillion RMB, is experiencing a pivotal transformation driven by channel evolution, particularly the rise of discount snack stores, which are becoming key growth drivers [1][5][6] Market Overview - The market size of the Chinese snack industry is projected to reach 1.1 trillion RMB by 2024, but the annual growth rate is expected to slow to 2-3% from 2024 to 2027 [2][5] - The discount snack store channel is forecasted to continue its rapid growth, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% from 2024 to 2027, increasing its contribution to overall snack sales from 9.0% in 2024 to 12.5% in 2027 [6][11] Channel Dynamics - Traditional retail channels, such as supermarkets and grocery stores, are losing market share, while discount snack stores are emerging as a new battleground for brand growth [5][6] - Discount snack stores have expanded their store count from approximately 1,000 in 2020 to over 45,000 by mid-2025, with a projected ceiling of over 70,000 stores, indicating more than 30% growth potential [15][16] Competitive Landscape - The discount snack store market is currently dominated by two major groups: "Snack Busy Group" and "Wancheng Group," which together hold nearly two-thirds of the market share [16] - The average return period for discount snack stores has extended from about 1 year to approximately 2 years, reflecting increased competition and higher store density [17] E-commerce Trends - The influence of traditional retail channels is diminishing, with their sales share expected to drop from 80% in 2015 to 50% by 2025, while discount snack stores and e-commerce channels are gaining market share [18] - E-commerce growth is shifting towards content platforms, which engage consumers more effectively than traditional platforms, with 91.8% of respondents using content platforms daily [18] International Opportunities - Southeast Asia is emerging as a significant growth opportunity for Chinese snack companies, with a projected CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2029, despite the market size being only 24% of China's in 2024 [22] Strategic Implications - Snack companies must adapt to structural channel changes by implementing robust product strategies, agile marketing plans, and consumer-oriented innovation cycles to avoid being outpaced by the rapidly evolving market [24]

Core Insights - The Chinese snack industry, valued at over 1 trillion RMB, is experiencing a pivotal transformation driven by channel evolution, particularly the rise of discount snack stores as a key growth engine [1][6][20] Market Overview - The market size of the Chinese snack industry is projected to reach 1.1 trillion RMB by 2024, but the annual growth rate is expected to slow to 2-3% from 2024 to 2027 [2][6] - Traditional retail channels are losing market share, while discount snack stores are rapidly gaining traction, becoming the new battleground for brand growth [6][20] Discount Snack Stores - Discount snack stores have achieved a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38% from 2019 to 2024, with expectations to continue growing at a CAGR of 14% from 2024 to 2027 [7][10] - The number of discount snack stores has surged to 45,000, with a potential ceiling of over 70,000 stores, indicating significant room for future growth [10][19] - The market is currently dominated by two major groups, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the store share [14] E-commerce Trends - The focus of e-commerce growth is shifting towards content platforms, which enhance consumer engagement through entertainment and social interaction, surpassing traditional e-commerce platforms in user attraction [16][20] - Content platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou are becoming essential for driving impulse purchases and integrating consumer lifestyles [16] International Expansion - Southeast Asia presents a significant growth opportunity for Chinese snack companies, with a projected CAGR of 6% from 2024 to 2029, despite the market size being only 24% of China's in 2024 [20] Strategic Implications for Brands - Brands must adapt to the structural changes in channels by implementing robust product strategies and agile marketing plans to avoid being outpaced by the evolving market [24] - Leading brands are establishing a strong presence in discount snack stores while balancing sales growth with profit margins in online channels [24]