Core Viewpoint - In the first half of 2025, Qianwei Yangchun faced significant challenges in the restaurant supply chain industry, reporting a revenue decline of 0.7% year-on-year to 886 million yuan and a net profit drop of 39.7% to 35.79 million yuan, indicating stagnation in core business growth and shrinking profit margins [1] Group 1: Product Iteration Challenges - The company's reliance on traditional product lines, particularly staple and snack categories, has led to a decline in sales as core products like fried dough sticks and sesame balls lose market appeal [2] - Efforts to develop new products in baking and prepared dishes have not yielded significant results, with these segments still too small to drive substantial revenue growth [2] - The shift towards lower-margin products has further pressured overall profitability, revealing a gap in product transition between old and new offerings [2] Group 2: Channel Distribution Pressures - The company maintains a weak recovery in its direct sales channel, primarily due to strong ties with major clients like Yum China and Hema, but faces pressure as these clients demand better pricing [3] - The decline in the distribution channel is more alarming, with over 300 channel partners lost in six months, leading to a significant drop in sales from distributors [3] - Rising costs of raw materials, such as flour and oils, have made it difficult for the company to pass on these costs to customers, resulting in profit erosion [3] Group 3: Trust Crisis and Industry Transparency - The prepared food industry is experiencing a trust crisis, with increasing consumer scrutiny over ingredient processing, compelling restaurant clients to enforce stricter supply chain standards [4] - The company must invest more in quality control, traceability, and transparency, but these efforts are unlikely to yield immediate financial returns [4] Group 4: Need for Strategic Reform - The company's performance reflects the broader challenges faced by restaurant supply chain businesses during industry adjustments, with traditional business pressures and new business investment pains [5] - To regain balance, the company needs to focus on three areas: product innovation, optimizing distribution channels, and developing dynamic cost adjustment capabilities [5] - However, market patience is waning due to regulatory changes, shifting consumer preferences, and capital valuation adjustments, necessitating urgent internal reforms [5]

Core Viewpoint - The dispute between Luo Yonghao and Jia Guolong regarding pre-prepared dishes has concluded, with West Be acknowledging the need for transparency in the use of pre-prepared ingredients in restaurants [1][2] Industry Overview - The pre-prepared dish sector has seen a rise in stock prices despite consumer backlash, with companies like Delisi and established brands such as Weizhi Xiang and Sanquan Foods experiencing significant gains [1][2] - The National Health Commission's draft for national food safety standards for pre-prepared dishes is expected to provide clarity on the definition and usage of these products in the restaurant industry [1][2] Definitions and Concepts - The distinction between central kitchens and pre-prepared dishes is crucial, with pre-prepared dishes being fully cooked and frozen for direct consumption, while central kitchens provide semi-finished products that require further cooking [3][4] - The official definition of pre-prepared dishes by the State Administration for Market Regulation excludes dishes made in central kitchens, highlighting the need for clarity in industry standards [2][3] Market Dynamics - The development of central kitchens is seen as a trend in the restaurant industry, driven by the need for efficiency and quality control in food preparation [4][6] - The pre-prepared dish market in China is still in its early stages, with significant differences compared to Japan, where a well-established market exists with strict food production standards [7][9][10] Future Outlook - The pre-prepared dish industry in China is projected to grow rapidly, with estimates suggesting a market size of 674.9 billion yuan by 2030 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 10% [12] - Companies are recognizing the challenges in gaining consumer trust and are implementing quality management measures to address food safety and regulatory issues [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding pre-prepared meals in the restaurant industry highlights a significant disconnect between industry standards and consumer perceptions, emphasizing the need for better communication and transparency [1][4][28]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The pre-prepared meal industry has evolved from being rejected by the restaurant sector to being widely accepted, yet consumer understanding remains limited [4][7]. - There is a lack of unified definitions and standards for pre-prepared meals, leading to misunderstandings between industry professionals and consumers [16][27]. - The primary reasons for restaurants using pre-prepared meals are cost control and the need for standardization across multiple locations [10][11]. Group 2: Consumer Perception - Consumers often equate any meal that is not freshly prepared on-site with being a pre-prepared meal, which creates a perception problem for restaurants [5][18]. - The key issue for consumers is the perceived value of pre-prepared meals, with a strong emphasis on whether the price reflects the quality of the food [20][21]. - Transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared meals is a double-edged sword for restaurants, as full disclosure may harm brand image while withholding information could lead to trust issues [22][24]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The trend towards industrialization in the restaurant sector is irreversible, with increasing costs and the demand for standardization driving the adoption of pre-prepared meals [26][27]. - The future of the restaurant industry may see a diversification of models, ranging from fully made-to-order establishments to those that embrace pre-prepared meal solutions [31][32]. - A collaborative effort is needed among businesses, industry regulators, and consumers to establish clear standards and improve communication, ensuring a balanced approach to efficiency and consumer experience [30][33].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the surge in the A-share market for pre-made meal concept stocks, with companies like Weizhi Xiang hitting the daily limit, and Huatian Hotel rising over 5% [1] - The draft of the "National Standard for Food Safety of Pre-made Dishes" has passed review and is set to solicit public opinions [1] - Data indicates that the market size for pre-made dishes in China is expected to exceed 600 billion yuan by 2025, with projections suggesting it could reach a trillion yuan by 2026 [1] Group 2 - The penetration rate of pre-made dishes in the chain restaurant sector has reached 80% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The reliance of the restaurant industry on pre-prepared dishes is decreasing, as evidenced by the shift towards fresher, made-to-order food options among leading restaurant chains like Jiumaojiu Group's Taier Sour Fish [1] Group 1: Market Trends - The pre-prepared dish concept sector saw initial strength, with stocks like Delisi and Huifa Foods hitting the limit up, but later experienced a decline of 1.51% on September 17 [2] - Analysts suggest that the long-term trend for pre-prepared dishes remains positive due to increasing restaurant chain standardization, rising labor costs, and faster consumer lifestyles, indicating growth potential in both B2B and B2C markets [2][3] - The demand for pre-prepared products such as cleaned vegetables and processed seafood is rising among chain restaurants, driven by considerations of cost, supply chain stability, and safety [2][3] Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The increasing chain restaurant ratio, currently around 30%, is expected to drive growth in pre-prepared dishes, creating a mutually beneficial cycle between industry concentration and supply chain strength [3] - Unlike the cooling B2C market, B2B sectors like cleaned vegetables and seafood processing continue to expand their market share [4] - The pre-prepared dish industry is still in its early to mid-development stage, with a fragmented competitive landscape and a focus on B2B efficiency and standardization [4] Group 3: Investment Landscape - Several provinces have previously launched supportive policies for the pre-prepared dish industry, focusing on local agricultural products, but many face challenges in attracting investment [6] - Investment in the pre-prepared dish sector has seen a decline since 2022, with a notable drop in financing activity in 2023 and 2024 [7]

预制菜市场规模已逼近5000亿，年增速高达33.8%，但多数人仍难以完全接受。真正让人纠结的不是预 制菜本身，而是"不透明"，以及被当作现做菜售卖的欺骗感，消费者真正关心的也只是我们吃进肚子里 的到底是什么。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing debate surrounding pre-prepared meals reflects a complex interplay between the development of the food industry, changes in dining models, and consumer demands [1] Group 1: Central Kitchen Model - The central kitchen model has gained popularity due to its ability to standardize semi-finished products and ready-to-eat meals, allowing for flexibility in taste adjustments at the store level [1][2] - This model is favored by chain restaurants as it reduces cooking steps, kitchen space, staff, and equipment, ultimately lowering operational costs and improving meal quality [2][3] - Central kitchens enhance food safety by implementing standardized production and centralized procurement, which minimizes ingredient waste and ensures consistent flavor across locations [2][3] Group 2: Food Safety and Preservation - The safety of long-frozen foods, such as broccoli and lamb, has become a public concern, with consumers questioning the nutritional value of such products [4] - Advanced freezing techniques, like liquid nitrogen freezing, preserve the texture and nutrients of vegetables better than traditional methods [4][5] - The development of food preservation technologies has alleviated issues related to agricultural surplus, enhancing food security [6] Group 3: Consumer Rights and Transparency - There is a growing demand for transparency regarding pre-prepared meals, with consumers wanting clear information about the use of such products in restaurants [7][8] - The introduction of national standards for pre-prepared meals is expected to enhance consumer rights by mandating disclosure of how these meals are used in dining establishments [7][8] - Industry associations are working to improve communication with consumers about the safety and nutritional aspects of pre-prepared meals, aiming to dispel misconceptions [8][9] Group 4: Future of Pre-prepared Meals - The future of pre-prepared meals is tied to technological advancements in the food industry and the protection of consumer rights [9] - Achieving a balance between efficiency and consumer experience will require a foundation of standards and transparency within the industry [9]

Core Viewpoint - The incident involving Xibei and the controversy over pre-prepared dishes highlights a significant trust crisis in the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and consumer rights in the context of pre-prepared food becoming the norm [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Response - Xibei has acknowledged its shortcomings in meeting customer expectations regarding food preparation methods and has committed to nine corrective measures, including shifting more cooking processes to in-store preparation [1][5][6] - The founder of Xibei, Jia Guolong, has stated the intention to adopt a transparent approach, admitting that the production methods did not align with customer expectations [5][6] Group 2: Industry Implications - The controversy has exposed a gap in industry integrity, with experts suggesting that large chain restaurants should clearly communicate their food processing methods to satisfy consumer rights [2][3] - The incident may serve as a catalyst for the restaurant industry to move towards greater standardization and transparency, potentially leading to a healthier development of the pre-prepared food sector [8][9] Group 3: Regulatory and Market Trends - The pre-prepared food industry is at a critical juncture, with regulatory frameworks being developed to enhance transparency and consumer safety, including labeling requirements for pre-prepared dishes [4][8] - As consumer demand for transparency increases, more restaurants may abandon anonymous supply chains in favor of partnerships with reputable pre-prepared food suppliers, fostering a shift towards brand-oriented business models [8][10] Group 4: Consumer Behavior and Future Outlook - The growing consumer base, particularly among younger generations, is expected to drive the pre-prepared food market, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 20% to 30% [10] - The need for regulatory improvements and public education on pre-prepared food processes is essential to rebuild consumer trust and ensure the industry's sustainable growth [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding pre-prepared meals is not about their inherent quality but rather about consumer transparency and choice, with many consumers feeling misled when they pay for freshly cooked meals but receive pre-prepared options instead [1][2] Market Overview - The pre-prepared meal market in China is projected to reach 485 billion yuan in 2024 and is expected to exceed 617.3 billion yuan by 2025, indicating a rapidly growing trillion-yuan industry [2] - Over 30 publicly listed companies in the A-share market are involved in the pre-prepared meal sector, with significant investments in industrial parks in regions like Guangdong, Fujian, and Shandong [2] Consumer Sentiment - Research indicates that more than 50% of consumers in fast-food chains are open to pre-prepared meals, while only 8.8% of consumers in high-end restaurants accept them, highlighting a mismatch between consumer expectations and dining contexts [1][2] Industry Challenges - The primary issue facing the pre-prepared meal industry is a lack of transparency, with no established standards or regulatory frameworks governing the sourcing, processing, and logistics of these products [2] - Many restaurants are hesitant to disclose their use of pre-prepared meals, further eroding consumer trust [2] Regulatory Developments - A draft national standard for food safety regarding pre-prepared meals has passed review and is set to solicit public opinion, which will help standardize the identity of pre-prepared meals and require restaurants to disclose their usage [2] - The implementation of new national standards is expected to lead to a significant industry shake-up, potentially eliminating substandard small operations [2] Future Outlook - The pre-prepared meal sector is seen as a necessary evolution in modern dining, addressing efficiency issues while needing to build consumer trust [2] - The ongoing discussions about consumer rights, standardization, and industry transparency will likely shape the future trajectory of the restaurant industry [2][3]

Core Insights - The debate surrounding pre-prepared meals has gained significant public attention, evolving from a corporate discussion to a widespread societal issue, highlighting existing controversies and confusions within the industry [1] - The pre-prepared meal market in China is projected to reach a scale of 485 billion yuan in 2024, with an expected growth to 617.3 billion yuan by 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 27.3% [1] Industry Overview - Pre-prepared meals have become a cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancing tool for many restaurant businesses, with overall costs decreasing by 8% after their adoption [2] - Over 80% of chain restaurants utilize pre-prepared meals, with a significant demand coming from quick-service restaurants and takeaway outlets [2] - Research indicates that over 70% of takeaway businesses incorporate pre-prepared meal options, with "meal kits" being a common offering [2] Market Dynamics - As of 2024, there are approximately 28,000 registered companies related to pre-prepared meals in China, with a projected annual registration exceeding 11,700, marking a year-on-year growth of 120.43% [2] - By August of this year, 9,291 pre-prepared meal-related companies had been registered, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 23.32% [2] - The majority of pre-prepared meal companies are concentrated in East China, accounting for 40.15% of the total [2] Consumer Sentiment - Consumer opinions on pre-prepared meals are polarized, with some embracing the convenience and variety they offer, particularly for gatherings and special occasions [2]