Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of aligning brand purpose with stakeholder expectations to drive sustainable growth [11][14] - It identifies five core imperatives, known as the "Five Ts," that high-performing brands must focus on: Trust, Time, Transformation, Technology, and Talent [30][90] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - Brand Finance has conducted extensive research to quantify the financial impact of brand decisions, engaging with senior executives across various sectors [23][24] - The report synthesizes insights from 40 spotlight interviews, revealing shared realities that shape contemporary brand leadership [25][26] Shared Realities of Leading Brands - A widening gap exists between internal transformation and external perceptions, leading to challenges in brand recognition [39][40] - Competitive saturation is increasing, making differentiation more difficult as brands converge on similar features and narratives [52][53] - Trust volatility and reputational risks are rising, necessitating transparent communication and responsible governance [60][61] The Five Ts: Growth Imperatives - **Trust**: Building credibility through purpose and ethical practices [95][96] - **Time**: Focusing on long-term value and consistent investment rather than short-term gains [97][98] - **Transformation**: Continuously innovating and adapting business models to meet evolving market demands [99][100] - **Technology**: Leveraging AI and digital infrastructure to enhance efficiency and customer experience [101][102] - **Talent**: Cultivating a culture that empowers employees to embody brand values and drive transformation [103][104] Insights on Brand Identity and Transformation - Brand identity plays a crucial role in signaling organizational change and must evolve alongside business transformations [43][44] - Authenticity and cultural confidence are becoming key differentiators for brands, particularly in the ASEAN region [125][126] The Role of Public Relations - Public relations has shifted from a supportive function to a strategic driver of brand value, essential for managing perceptions during periods of transformation [140][141] - Effective communication is critical for building trust and ensuring that brand narratives align with stakeholder expectations [149][150]

Core Insights - The inaugural "Battle of the Feathers" Badminton Challenge in Lu'an represents an innovative approach to promote industry development through sports events, showcasing local independent brands [1] Industry Overview - The "West Anhui White Goose" is a significant resource for Lu'an, with a goose population of 18.843 million in 2024, generating an output value of approximately 17 billion CNY [2] - The goose breeding industry is modernizing through IoT systems and eco-cycle models, improving gosling survival rates, while AI technologies enhance processing efficiency [2] - Lu'an's badminton shuttlecocks account for 40% of China's training shuttlecock market, indicating a strong local production capability [2] Integrated Industrial System - Lu'an has developed an integrated industrial system encompassing breeding, processing, down and feather products, and food, with over 1,000 related businesses and 75 above-scale enterprises [3] - In 2024, the output value of enterprises above designated size exceeded 10 billion CNY, reflecting the industry's growth [3] - The focus is shifting from raw material supply to building the "west Anhui down" brand and upgrading products to high-end and functional offerings [3] Future Projections - By 2027, Lu'an's goose population is expected to exceed 30 million, with the combined output value of the goose and down industries projected to surpass 30 billion CNY [4] - The city is transitioning from traditional breeding to a modern industrial cluster, emphasizing innovation-driven growth and brand leadership [4]