Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in male consumer behavior from spending primarily on relationships to focusing on self-consumption, indicating the rise of a new economic trend termed "He Economy" [3][15][34]. Group 1: Changing Male Consumer Behavior - In recent years, male consumers have begun to prioritize self-spending over relationship-oriented purchases, marking a significant shift in consumption patterns [3][15]. - The percentage of men choosing not to give gifts during traditional romantic holidays has increased, with over 30% opting out during the 2024 520 festival [15]. - The average age of first marriage for men in China has surpassed 30, reflecting a declining willingness to marry among younger generations [15][42]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Market Trends - The male consumer market is projected to exceed 6 trillion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10% [20]. - Male online shopping expenditure has reached an average of 10,025 yuan per year, surpassing that of female consumers [15]. - The success of products and services targeting male interests, such as gaming and fitness, indicates a growing market for male-oriented consumption [17][21]. Group 3: Emerging Consumption Categories - Categories such as technology products, fitness equipment, and skincare for men are experiencing significant growth, with male consumers increasingly willing to invest in these areas [17][25]. - The rise of "He Economy" is prompting brands to rethink their marketing strategies to better cater to male consumers' interests and lifestyles [34]. - The popularity of products like the game "Black Myth: Wukong," which sold over 29 million copies, highlights the increasing engagement of male consumers in entertainment and gaming [21]. Group 4: Cultural Shifts and Future Outlook - The article draws parallels between current trends in China and historical shifts in Japan, where male consumers began to prioritize personal interests over traditional relationship spending [36][41]. - The concept of "lonely consumption" is emerging, where men focus on self-satisfaction and personal enjoyment rather than societal expectations [35][44]. - As the market transitions from an incremental to a stock-based economy, the untapped male consumer segment presents new opportunities for brands willing to adapt [46].

Core Insights - The shift in male consumer behavior from spending on relationships to self-focused consumption is becoming evident, marking the rise of "self-indulgent consumption" among men [3][12][34]. Group 1: Changing Consumption Patterns - Male consumers are increasingly prioritizing personal interests and self-care over traditional relationship-based spending, leading to a decline in spending during couple-centric holidays [12][13]. - The average initial marriage age for men is projected to exceed 30 by 2025, reflecting a broader trend of reduced marriage intentions among younger generations [12][38]. - Data from QuestMobile indicates that male spending growth has outpaced female spending for the first time in 2024, with the male consumption market expected to surpass 6 trillion yuan by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10% [16][39]. Group 2: Emerging Markets and Trends - The rise of "he economy" is reshaping various markets, as brands adapt to the evolving interests of male consumers, who are now seen as primary market drivers rather than secondary [34][40]. - The gaming industry exemplifies this trend, with the success of the game "Black Myth: Wukong," which sold over 29 million copies and generated 9 billion yuan in revenue, predominantly from male players [19][40]. - The male skincare market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 15.88%, with the market size expected to reach 20.7 billion yuan by 2026, indicating a significant shift in male grooming habits [25][39]. Group 3: Cultural Shifts and Consumer Behavior - The concept of "lonely consumption" is emerging, where men are increasingly spending on personal interests rather than traditional relationship-based expenditures, similar to trends observed in Japan during the 1990s [35][38]. - The popularity of products catering to single living, such as the "one-person meal" series launched by NetEase, highlights the growing market for individual-focused consumption [38][39]. - The changing dynamics in male consumer behavior are prompting brands to rethink their marketing strategies and product offerings to better align with the interests and lifestyles of modern male consumers [40].

New Product Launches - Sprite has announced the launch of a new product, Ice Lemon Berry, featuring a sugar-free formula that combines refreshing lemon flavor with sweet and sour berry taste, utilizing cooling technology for a strong carbonation sensation [3] - Kikkoman has introduced two new soy milk drinks: salty caramel soy milk and chocolate mint soy milk, blending caramel flavor with saltiness and mint freshness with chocolate [4] - Daily Fresh has launched its first HMO children's nutritional milk, focusing on ingredients like HMO, immunoglobulin, and lactoferrin for original nutrition [6] - Jianai has added a new member to its fruit and vegetable salad yogurt family, featuring a blend of nine ingredients including blueberry and purple cabbage, with a pure formula and 4% sucrose [6] Company Developments - JBS, a major meat processing giant, has received approval from the SEC for its listing plan in New York, with a potential market value increase to $30 billion [6] - Shangmei Group has announced a joint venture to establish a new cosmetics brand, leveraging resources from various partners in the cosmetics industry [6] - BERSHIHE has submitted its prospectus for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with notable investors including Tencent and Qiming Venture Partners [7] - Meiji has invested approximately 20 billion yen (around 2 billion RMB) to build a new dairy factory in Kanagawa Prefecture, set to start operations in March 2027 [9] - Luzhou Laojiao Group has established a commercial investment company with a registered capital of 100 million RMB, focusing on real estate and investment activities [10] Retail and Market Trends - Jacquemus has opened a new boutique in Los Angeles, expanding its presence in the U.S. market [11] - Sam's Club has suspended its cross-border direct mail service to Hong Kong after a trial period, indicating a need for service optimization [12] - Ferrero has appointed a new regional general manager, Craig Barker, to replace Philippe Steyaert [13] - Arc'teryx has established a footwear division, aiming to enhance product creation and brand marketing [13] - Susan Fang has collaborated with Balabala to launch a new children's clothing collection, reflecting a poetic aesthetic [15]

New Consumption Overview - Morinaga Milk Industry launched a new functional yogurt drink in Japan, featuring the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium MCC1274, which may impact cognitive function [3] - Blueglass Yogurt introduced the 5.0 version of its "Good Night" collagen yogurt, adding DAG glycerol diester oil to its existing ingredients [3] - Yihai Kerry Arawana announced its strategic shift from traditional grain and oil to the health food sector with the launch of its "Arawana Fengyitang" brand [3] - 361° unveiled the "Sweet Classic" women's tennis series, designed for high-temperature sports and versatile wear [5] Investment and Financing - Lymow, a robotic lawn mower company, completed a Pre-A round financing of several million yuan to support product mass production and market preparation [7] - Mavi Robotics secured a B+ round financing of over 100 million yuan, aimed at core technology iteration and global market expansion [7] - Arca Continental, the third-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., announced a factory expansion in Texas with an initial investment of $74.9 million, totaling $168 million [9] Corporate Developments - Revlon appointed Dana Medema as the North America President, effective May 5, 2025, bringing extensive personal care management experience [11] - Ziyan Food announced plans to invest 500 million yuan in establishing a buffalo meat production and processing base in Nepal [14] - McDonald's in the U.S. reintroduced the McCrispy Chicken Tenders, marking the first new fixed menu item in four years due to consumer demand [15]