Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the chairman of the company, Yu Huiyong's remarks about "educating consumers" rather than catering to them, has sparked significant public backlash, highlighting a disconnect between the company's product positioning and consumer perceptions [4][5]. Group 1: Consumer Relations and ESG Issues - The chairman's comments were perceived as arrogant, challenging the principle of consumer rights protection outlined in the company's ESG report [5]. - The 2024 ESG report emphasizes the establishment of a comprehensive quality control system, including expanding pesticide residue testing from over 200 to 300 items and conducting multiple food safety audits [5][6]. - Despite these initiatives, they are seen as reactive measures following previous quality control failures, including allegations of using spoiled fruit for products [6]. Group 2: Membership and Pricing Strategy - The company has seen a decline in paid membership numbers, dropping to 850,000, a decrease of 27.1% from the previous year, amid rising consumer sensitivity to high prices [9]. - In response to market pressures, the company shifted from a "high-end" to a "high cost-performance" strategy, leading to a significant drop in gross margin from 11.5% to 7.4% [9]. Group 3: Franchise Operations and Market Competition - The number of franchise stores decreased from 6,081 to 5,116, with a net reduction of 965 stores, indicating operational challenges [10]. - The company's revenue from franchise operations fell from 8.5 billion to 7.4 billion, with average annual revenue per store declining from 880,000 to 796,000 [10]. - Issues such as high inventory turnover days and unfavorable contract terms have strained franchisee profitability, contradicting the company's claims of supporting franchisees in its ESG report [11][12]. Group 4: Financial Performance and Market Reaction - The company reported its first loss in five years, with stock prices plummeting over 80% and market capitalization decreasing by nearly 8 billion HKD [12]. - Following the chairman's controversial remarks, the stock experienced a significant drop, reflecting investor concerns about the company's future [12].

Core Viewpoint - The founder of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, sparked controversy with his comments on the high prices of fruits, emphasizing the importance of educating consumers rather than catering to their price sensitivity [3][7][20]. Group 1: Company Overview - Baiguoyuan was founded in 2001 by Yu Huiyong, starting with an initial investment of 400 yuan, and opened its first store in July 2002, achieving significant sales from the outset [16]. - The company has expanded to over 6,000 stores, with more than 90% being franchise-operated, contributing 99.4% of product sales revenue [12][20]. - The average investment cost for franchisees is approximately 230,000 yuan, including various fees and a projected payback period of around two years [14]. Group 2: Pricing and Consumer Perception - Yu Huiyong stated that the price difference for quality fruits can be four to five times, arguing that Baiguoyuan aims to educate consumers about the value of quality rather than simply offering lower prices [3][7]. - Despite the company's positioning as a high-end fruit retailer, social media complaints highlight perceptions of excessive pricing, with examples of individual fruit prices reaching as high as 23.5 yuan for an apple [8][20]. - A price comparison showed that while Baiguoyuan's prices are perceived as high, the average price differences among competitors are not significantly large [8]. Group 3: Quality Issues and Market Challenges - Baiguoyuan has faced multiple quality issues, including allegations of selling expired or spoiled fruits, which have eroded consumer trust [17][19]. - In 2024, the company reported a revenue decline of 9.81% year-on-year, marking its first annual loss since 2020, attributed to weak consumer demand and increased operational costs [20]. - The company aims to implement a ten-year strategic plan to increase store numbers to over 10,000 and achieve a revenue target of 100 billion yuan, despite recent setbacks [20].

Core Viewpoint - The founder of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, claims that the company is focused on educating consumers rather than catering to them, but this strategy has led to a disconnect between pricing and perceived value, resulting in consumer backlash [1][2] Group 1: Pricing and Value Discrepancy - Baiguoyuan's pricing strategy is criticized for being significantly higher than local competitors, with its Yaba Gan fruit priced at 9.9 yuan per jin compared to 4.5-5 yuan at nearby non-chain stores, leading to accusations of being a "fruit scam" [1] - The company's insistence on high prices based on quality differences of "four to five times" is challenged by consumer behavior, indicating that high prices without tangible quality differences are viewed as an "intelligence tax" [1][2] Group 2: Market Positioning and Consumer Trust - Baiguoyuan's strategy of applying a premium supermarket pricing model in community settings is misaligned with consumer expectations for high cost-performance ratios, as evidenced by the community's preference for value [1] - The company's stock price has plummeted from 6.98 HKD at IPO to 1.77 HKD, resulting in a market value loss of approximately 70%, highlighting the financial repercussions of its strategic missteps [2] - The failure to recognize that fruits are essential consumer goods rather than luxury items has led to a loss of consumer trust, emphasizing that consumer sentiment is more decisive than theoretical business strategies [2]

Group 1 - The company, 百果园, is attempting to position itself in the high-end fruit market, but its pricing strategy is causing consumer backlash, with prices significantly higher than competitors, such as 15.9 yuan for a kiwi and 29.9 yuan for half a jin of jackfruit [2][4] - Consumers are expressing frustration over the perceived lack of quality and service that accompanies the high prices, citing past incidents like the "rotten fruit cut" scandal, which undermined the company's claims of rigorous quality control [4][7] - The company has lost 70,000 members in the past year, indicating a decline in customer loyalty, as consumers are increasingly opting for alternatives like community group buying and Sam's Club, which offer lower prices and better quality [4][7] Group 2 - The company's strategy of "educating consumers" is viewed as insincere and disconnected from customer needs, suggesting a lack of understanding of market dynamics [7] - There is a growing sentiment that consumers are willing to pay a premium for quality, but they are unwilling to spend on products that do not meet their expectations, leading to a perception of "wasting money" [4][7]

Core Viewpoint - The recent price controversy surrounding Baiguoyuan has drawn significant attention, particularly due to founder Yu Huiyong's comments about "educating consumers" [1][17]. Pricing and Competition - Baiguoyuan's prices for fruits, such as the ordinary kirin watermelon, are significantly higher than those at nearby supermarkets, with member prices at 3.98 yuan per jin and retail prices at 4.98 yuan per jin, compared to 2.4 yuan per jin at local fruit stores and 2.48 yuan per jin at supermarkets, making Baiguoyuan's prices approximately double that of supermarkets [3]. - In another Baiguoyuan store, customer traffic was notably low, with only 2-3 customers present during peak hours, while a nearby budget fruit store had 8-10 customers shopping simultaneously [6]. Product Quality and Classification - Approximately 80% of the fruit in Baiguoyuan stores is labeled as "A-level," which is priced higher. Staff indicated that A-level fruits are sweeter and crisper, but there was no ordinary kirin watermelon available for direct comparison [8]. - Baiguoyuan employs a unique classification system for fruits based on "sugar acidity, freshness, crispness, tenderness, aroma, and safety," categorizing them into three grades: signature, A-level, and B-level [8]. Financial Performance - Baiguoyuan reported a revenue of 10.273 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year decline of 9.81%. The company also recorded a net loss of 386 million yuan, marking a significant drop from a profit of 362 million yuan in the previous year, representing the first loss in five years [17].

Core Viewpoint - The chairman of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, defended the company's high fruit prices, stating that the company prioritizes quality over catering to consumer expectations, which has sparked controversy online [1][3][6]. Group 1: Consumer Reactions - Many consumers expressed dissatisfaction with Yu's comments, suggesting that the company should be more responsive to consumer needs [3]. - Some consumers argued that higher prices could be justified if the fruits are of superior quality [5]. Group 2: Quality Control Issues - Baiguoyuan claims to focus on quality through strict operational standards and cold chain management to ensure freshness [7]. - Despite this, the company has faced multiple quality complaints, including incidents of selling spoiled fruits and mislabeling fruit grades [8][11]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Baiguoyuan reported a revenue of 10.273 billion RMB in 2024, a decrease of 9.8% year-on-year, with a shift from profit to loss, recording a net loss of 3.86 billion RMB [14][16]. - The revenue from fruit and other food sales accounted for over 97% of total income, which also saw a decline of 9.6% in 2024 [14][16]. - The number of franchise stores decreased from 4,818 in 2023 to 4,039 in 2024, attributed to high rental costs and profitability issues for franchisees [17]. Group 4: Profitability Challenges - The company's net profit margin has declined from around 3% in previous years to 1.49% in the first half of 2024 [21]. - Despite a large network of stores and a premium pricing strategy, Baiguoyuan has struggled to achieve significant growth in performance [21].

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding Baiguoyuan's pricing strategy and its CEO's comments has sparked significant public debate, highlighting the challenges faced by companies in balancing quality and consumer expectations [3][4]. Group 1: Baiguoyuan's Position and Strategy - Baiguoyuan's chairman, Yu Huiyong, stated that the company will not cater to consumer demands, emphasizing a commitment to high-quality fruits and consumer education [3]. - The company claims to have millions of members who recognize its value and are willing to pay for premium products, indicating a loyal customer base [3]. - However, the high pricing strategy has led to public backlash, with consumers expressing concerns over affordability and perceived value [3][4]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Challenges - Baiguoyuan reported a 9.8% year-on-year decline in revenue for 2024, marking its first net loss in five years, alongside a reduction in store numbers [4]. - The company's insistence on "educating consumers" raises questions about its understanding of market demands and consumer needs, especially in a competitive landscape [4]. - The current economic climate, where consumers prioritize cost-effectiveness, poses significant challenges to Baiguoyuan's high-price strategy [3][4]. Group 3: Industry Context and Comparisons - The situation with Baiguoyuan is reminiscent of the challenges faced by other companies like Zhong Xue Gao, which has recently encountered financial difficulties and public scrutiny over its pricing and product quality [5][6]. - Zhong Xue Gao's founder acknowledged operational issues leading to financial strain, reflecting broader industry challenges related to consumer perception and market positioning [10]. - The trend of companies attempting to "educate" consumers has often backfired, as seen in various cases within the industry, suggesting a need for a more consumer-centric approach [4][6].

百果园董事长余惠勇"不迎合消费者"的言论引发争议，公司回应称视频断章取义。2024年财报显示，百 果园营收下滑9.8%、亏损3.86亿元，门店减少966家，付费会员锐减27.1%。品质问题频发、加盟模式失 控加剧信任危机，行业冷链短板与消费趋势转变进一步冲击市场份额。 百果园董事长言论上热搜 近日，"百果园称不会迎合消费者"的短视频在社交媒体引发轩然大波。 视频中，受访的百果园董事长余惠勇将商业分为"利用消费者无知"与"教育消费者成熟"两类，坚称百果 园选择后者，强调"不会为了迎合消费者对'便宜'的模糊认知而降低品质标准"。这一言论迅速登上热搜 首位，网友吐槽"买个水果还要被上课"。 被百果园认为是"断章取义"的言论，出自视频中余惠勇的以下这段话："我认为商业就两种，第一个利 用消费者的无知，第二个教育消费者成熟，像百果园这么多年来都走在一个教育消费者成熟的路上。我 们不会去迎合消费者，他并不清楚的，所谓的便宜之类的，我们想告知消费者，最后是消费者自己的选 择。" 余惠勇表示，消费者（对水果品质）不知情的时候，只能选择便宜，但百果园"绝不在品质上做让步， 除非我直接换品相，把品质做差一点、价格便宜点，但这不是 ...

Core Viewpoint - The founder of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, sparked controversy by stating that the company is not catering to consumers but rather educating them to mature, which has led to public backlash and criticism of the company's approach to consumer relations [1][3][5]. Group 1: Company Positioning and Consumer Relations - Baiguoyuan's business model is categorized by Yu as either "exploiting consumer ignorance" or "educating consumers," with the latter being the chosen path for the company [3]. - The company's claim of educating consumers has been met with skepticism, as many consumers feel that purchasing fruit should not involve being lectured [5]. - The perception of Baiguoyuan as an "educator" has created a disconnect in the consumer-business relationship, where consumers feel patronized rather than valued [5][12]. Group 2: Quality Control and Consumer Complaints - Despite Baiguoyuan's emphasis on quality, there have been multiple reports of quality control failures, including the sale of spoiled fruit and mislabeling of products [7]. - Over 3,000 complaints on the Black Cat Complaint platform highlight issues such as poor quality and inadequate compensation for defective products, contradicting the company's high-quality image [7]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Market Position - Baiguoyuan's financial performance has deteriorated, with a reported revenue of 10.273 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year decline of 9.8%, and a net loss of 386 million yuan, marking the first net loss in five years [9]. - The number of retail stores has significantly decreased, with a net reduction of 966 stores in 2024, leaving only 5,127 stores, which contrasts sharply with previous expansion ambitions [9]. - The company faces intense competition from community group buying and e-commerce giants, which have adopted aggressive pricing strategies, undermining Baiguoyuan's supply chain advantages [9]. Group 4: Strategic Shifts and Market Perception - Baiguoyuan's strategy has shifted towards emphasizing "value for money," with the term appearing 25 times in the 2024 financial report, indicating a response to consumer demand for better pricing [11]. - The introduction of promotional activities aimed at providing discounts on high-quality products suggests an attempt to balance high-end positioning with market accessibility [11]. - However, this dual strategy has led to a blurred brand image, alienating both high-end consumers and price-sensitive customers [12].

Core Viewpoint - The founder of Baiguoyuan, Yu Huiyong, sparked widespread discussion with his comments on consumer education and pricing strategy, which led to a decline in the company's stock price and raised concerns about its quality and consumer trust [1][6][8]. Group 1: Company Performance - Baiguoyuan reported a net loss of 386 million yuan in 2024, marking its first annual loss since 2020 [4][12]. - The company's revenue for 2024 was 10.273 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 9.81% [12]. - As of the end of 2024, Baiguoyuan had 5,127 stores, a net decrease of 966 stores from 2023, moving away from its goal of exceeding 10,000 stores [3][14]. Group 2: Market Reaction - On August 11, 2023, Baiguoyuan's stock opened lower, experiencing an intraday drop of 8%, ultimately closing with a decline of 0.57% [2][7]. - Since its IPO on January 16, 2023, at an issue price of 5.6 HKD per share, Baiguoyuan's stock has seen a maximum decline of 75.56%, closing at 1.74 HKD on August 11, 2025 [7]. Group 3: Consumer Trust and Quality Issues - Baiguoyuan was once regarded as a benchmark for quality fruit, but recent years have seen frequent quality issues, leading to a decline in consumer trust [8][10]. - Reports of selling substandard products, including overnight fruit cuts and spoiled fruit, have surfaced, damaging the brand's reputation [10][11]. - The company's strategy of educating consumers about fruit quality has been met with backlash, as many consumers feel that they should not need to be "educated" to purchase fruit [6][8].