Core Viewpoint - The rise of Chaoshan beef hotpot has transformed from street stalls to a billion-dollar industry, driven by modernization and cultural empowerment, showcasing the potential of traditional cuisine in the contemporary market [4][22][95]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Market Size - The market size of Chaoshan beef hotpot is projected to reach 48.18 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 8.1%, and is expected to exceed 50 billion yuan by 2025 [27]. - The rapid expansion of store numbers reflects market enthusiasm, with major brands like Chaofan and Bahali forming a significant brand matrix [28]. - Guangdong province, as the origin and core market, accounts for 45.1% of the total store distribution nationwide, with over 4,000 beef hotpot restaurants in the Chaoshan region by October 2025 [30]. Group 2: Supply Chain Innovations - The industry faces challenges due to the geographical limitations of Chaoshan, which lacks large-scale cattle ranching resources, leading to a reliance on cattle transported from other regions [34][36]. - Major brands have adopted a "cross-province cattle raising" strategy to ensure quality control, establishing breeding bases in regions like Ningxia and Guizhou [39][40]. - A unique "grain-fed fattening" process has been developed to improve meat quality after long-distance transport [42]. Group 3: Workforce Development and Professionalization - The growth of the Chaoshan beef hotpot industry has led to an increase in the workforce, surpassing 800,000 nationwide, covering all aspects from breeding to service [45]. - The profession of "beef cutter" has emerged as a key role, transitioning from family inheritance to standardized training, with a significant influx of young workers [50][52]. - The new generation of workers is introducing innovative management practices, such as short video marketing and private domain operations, to modernize the industry [56]. Group 4: Cultural and Media Influence - The popularity of Chaoshan beef hotpot has been bolstered by its alignment with contemporary consumer trends and the influence of "media+" platforms [60]. - The health-conscious nature of the hotpot, with its clear broth and high-quality protein, resonates with modern dietary preferences, leading to significant social media engagement [65][67]. - The media's role in amplifying the cultural significance of Chaoshan beef hotpot has contributed to its transformation from a local delicacy to a national culinary trend [75]. Group 5: Challenges and Future Prospects - Despite market growth, the industry faces challenges such as insufficient standardization, leading to quality discrepancies across different outlets [81][83]. - Increased competition has compressed profit margins, with many new stores lacking innovation and merely replicating existing models [84]. - The upcoming Guangdong Chaoshan Beef Hotpot Cultural Festival aims to address these challenges by establishing industry standards and enhancing cultural recognition [90][92].