Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ambitious goals of a company aiming to become the world's leading strategic marketing brand consulting firm, alongside the development of proprietary branding theories to be included in global university curricula [1] Group 1 - The company, Huashan, aims to establish itself as the world's top strategic marketing brand consulting firm [1] - The company promotes its proprietary theories, including the SUPER SIGN and BRAND TRINITY, as Chinese intellectual property in branding communication [1] - A notable figure, Luo Yonghao, critiques the company's theories, suggesting they are derivative and lack originality, questioning the feasibility of their ambitions [1]

Group 1 - The 2025 Boao Forum for Entrepreneurs, held from December 2 to 5, 2025, focuses on the theme "Linking the World, Leading the Future: New Opportunities in the 14th Five-Year Plan" and marks the 10th anniversary of the forum [1] - The forum invites over a thousand representatives from government departments, experts, and leaders of major enterprises to discuss key topics such as new productive forces, digital technology innovation, and global brand strategies [1][4] - Mei Xiaolong, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Chengdu Sanxitang Brand Management Co., is recognized for his contributions to state-owned brand services and shares insights on brand growth strategies at the forum [2][4] Group 2 - Mei Xiaolong emphasizes that new productive forces are not only about technological innovation but also about deeply exploring brand value, advocating for state-owned brands to connect global resources while being rooted in local culture [4] - He highlights the need for state-owned brands to overcome challenges such as rigid brand perceptions and singular value expressions, aiming to transform policy resources into socially relatable narratives [4][9] - The participation of Sanxitang Brand Consulting at the forum is seen as a significant opportunity for high-level dialogue in the state-owned brand service sector, contributing to the growth and transformation of Chinese brands during the 14th Five-Year Plan [3][9] Group 3 - The forum serves as a high-end communication platform for industry leaders to address global industrial trends and core business needs, with Sanxitang planning to enhance collaboration and refine brand growth strategies [6] - Over the next three to five years, Sanxitang aims to empower 10 to 20 national brands to become strong market players, contributing to the high-quality development of Chinese brands [11] - The forum's influence is recognized as a key factor in the evolution of brand strategies in China, providing practical references for state-owned brands to achieve growth and value enhancement on the global stage [9]

Core Insights - The recent public dispute between internet celebrity Luo Yonghao and Hua Yu Hua founder Hua Shan has drawn significant attention, highlighting the brand consulting industry's current dynamics [1] - The brand consulting sector is entering a new development phase, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, particularly among younger generations who favor authentic and unique brand communications [7] Company Overview - Hua Yu Hua, established in January 2004, is a leading brand consulting firm in China, known for its core methodology of "super symbols equal super creativity," providing comprehensive services including strategic consulting, product development, and brand design [2] - Despite its commercial success and a series of effective case studies, Hua Yu Hua has faced criticism for its advertising slogans and logos, which some describe as "ugly" and "earthy" [2][3] - The firm has reportedly charged over 60 million yuan in consulting fees to Xibei over the past decade, which has sparked controversy and led to accusations of being a "brand assassin" [6] Industry Dynamics - The brand marketing consulting industry has seen its market size grow from 36.8 billion yuan in 2019 to 51.39 billion yuan in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. Projections indicate further growth to 70.21 billion yuan by 2028, with a CAGR of 6.4% [4] - The competitive landscape is characterized by a low concentration of firms, with a mix of companies across different revenue tiers, including those with over 100 million yuan in revenue and others below 50 million yuan [5][6] - The industry is experiencing a transformation, with three key characteristics: low overall concentration, increasingly blurred boundaries between branding, advertising, and public relations, and a technological drive reshaping the industry ecosystem [6] Consumer Trends - Younger consumers are exhibiting a strong sense of autonomy, showing decreased acceptance of traditional marketing methods and a preference for brands that resonate with their values [7] - Users are evolving from passive recipients to co-creators of brand narratives, necessitating a shift in how brand consulting firms engage with their audiences [8] Future Directions - Brand consulting firms must embrace modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to adapt to rapid changes in the industry [8] - There is a need for a multi-dimensional communication strategy to ensure brand value is effectively perceived and trusted across diverse contexts and audiences [8] - The industry faces fundamental questions regarding its positioning and business models, including whether to act as high-level consultants or deeply involved executors, and how to structure fees to reflect true value [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing public relations conflict between Luo Yonghao and the marketing firm Hua Yu Hua, highlighting the potential impact on the firm's reputation and future in the industry due to Luo's ultimatum for a public apology [1][45][51]. Group 1: Company Background - Hua Yu Hua has been a leading player in the brand consulting industry for over 20 years, with notable clients including "Xue Wang," "New Oriental," "Hai Di Lao," and "Zu Li Jian" [2][4]. - The firm charges high consulting fees, with individual company fees reaching up to 6 million [4]. - The founders, brothers Hua Shan and Hua Nan, have achieved significant recognition, with Hua Shan winning the China Outstanding Marketing Gold Award three times [6][10]. Group 2: Company Achievements - The company has been instrumental in the success of various brands, including the explosive growth of Tianqi toothpaste, which became a well-known trademark with annual sales reaching 1 billion [35][37]. - In 2021, the firm helped launch Read Culture, which saw its stock price surge by nearly 20 times on its first day of trading, setting multiple records in the A-share market [8][43]. Group 3: Current Conflict - The conflict began when Luo Yonghao set a deadline for Hua Yu Hua to publicly apologize, threatening to expose damaging information if they failed to comply [1][48]. - The situation escalated after Hua Shan publicly supported a controversial figure, leading to backlash and further scrutiny of Hua Yu Hua's marketing strategies [45][49]. - As of the article's publication, Hua Yu Hua had not issued an apology, leaving the outcome of the conflict uncertain [51].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a public dispute between Luo Yonghao and Xibei, highlighting the tensions surrounding the use of pre-prepared dishes in the restaurant industry and the implications for brand reputation and public relations [1][3][4]. Group 1: Incident Overview - Luo Yonghao criticized Xibei for using pre-prepared dishes, which led to a strong reaction from Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong, who threatened legal action against Luo [1][3]. - The situation escalated when Xibei's brand consultant, Hua Shan, publicly defended Xibei and accused Luo of being a "network black mouth," suggesting that the criticism was part of a larger scheme against Xibei [3][4]. - Following this, Luo demanded a public apology from Hua by a specific deadline, indicating the seriousness of the conflict and the potential impact on Hua's consulting firm [8][9]. Group 2: Reactions and Implications - The public's reaction included skepticism about Hua Shan's motives, with some suggesting that the conflict might be a tactic to maintain Xibei's struggling status in the market [13]. - Luo's threats to release recordings if an apology was not issued indicate a significant escalation in the public relations battle, potentially affecting both Xibei and Hua's reputation in the industry [7][9]. - The incident reflects broader issues in the restaurant industry regarding transparency and the use of pre-prepared food, which could influence consumer perceptions and brand loyalty [4][6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing conflict between the branding consultancy company Huayi Huayi and entrepreneur Luo Yonghao regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes in the restaurant industry, highlighting the implications for brand strategy and market positioning [4][6][8]. Group 1: Company Overview - Huayi Huayi, founded in 2002 by brothers Hua Shan and Hua Nan, specializes in brand consulting, marketing planning, and strategic design, with a unique methodology called "Super Symbol" [12][13]. - The company has served notable clients such as Haidilao, Mixue Ice City, and Xibei, and has been working with Xibei since 2013, significantly contributing to its brand development [13][14]. Group 2: Financial Aspects - Over ten years, Huayi Huayi has earned over 60 million yuan in consulting fees from Xibei, with future expectations of 100 million yuan for the next decade [14]. - The company is also linked to the publicly listed company Dook Culture, which has seen a decline in revenue and net profit in its latest financial report [15]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The article outlines the competitive landscape of brand consulting in China, identifying four main schools of thought, with Huayi Huayi representing the design school and others like Traut representing the positioning school [16][18]. - The ongoing debate between Huayi Huayi and the positioning school reflects a struggle for dominance in the branding consultancy market, with Huayi Huayi aiming to redefine industry standards [18][19].

Core Points - The incident involving "Hua Yu Hua" and its connection to the "Xi Luo" event has led to significant public backlash, with accusations of incompetence and unprofessionalism against the company [4][5][6] - "Hua Yu Hua" has been criticized for its high consulting fees and perceived lack of value delivered to clients, particularly in the case of its long-term partnership with the restaurant chain Xibei [5][8][24] - The company's marketing strategies, while successful in some cases, have also faced scrutiny for being outdated or aesthetically unpleasing, leading to accusations of plagiarism [21][24] Company Overview - "Hua Yu Hua" was founded in 2002 by brothers Hua Shan and Hua Nan, focusing on brand strategy and advertising [11][18] - The company has worked with various well-known brands across different industries, including Xibei, Haidilao, and Mijia Ice City, and has developed a reputation for creating memorable marketing campaigns [11][12][18] - The firm has generated significant revenue, reportedly earning over 600 million yuan in consulting fees from Xibei alone over a decade [5][26] Marketing Strategies - The company's approach emphasizes the creation of "super symbols" to enhance brand recognition, which includes large logos, bright colors, and repetitive messaging [14][18] - "Hua Yu Hua" has also developed a subscription-based consulting model, aiming to provide ongoing value to clients rather than one-off projects [11][19] - Despite its successes, the company has faced criticism for its high fees and the effectiveness of its marketing strategies, with some clients questioning the return on investment [24][30] Financial Performance - The financial performance of "Hua Yu Hua" has been mixed, with its associated company, Du Ke Culture, experiencing declining revenues and profits in recent years [26][30] - The founders have engaged in significant stock sell-offs, raising over 1.7 billion yuan, which raises questions about the long-term viability of their business model [30][31] - The recent public relations incident has led to speculation about the future of "Hua Yu Hua" and its ability to maintain client relationships, particularly with Xibei [31]

Core Viewpoint - The advertising industry is experiencing significant discussions and controversies, particularly surrounding the consulting firm Hua Yu Hua and its long-term relationship with the restaurant brand Xi Bei, highlighted by recent comments from entrepreneur Luo Yonghao [1][2][3]. Group 1: Hua Yu Hua's Business Model and Value - Hua Yu Hua has charged approximately 60 million RMB over ten years for consulting services to Xi Bei, raising questions about the value of such fees in the current marketing environment [4][6]. - The firm employs around 160 people and generates nearly 300 million RMB in annual revenue, indicating a high average contribution per employee of about 1.9 million RMB [9]. - The core value of Hua Yu Hua is perceived to be less about its methodologies and more about the reputation of its founder, Hua Shan, who serves as a social symbol of trust in the industry [8][47]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics and Perception - The marketing consulting industry is characterized by a reliance on external validation and trust, particularly in sectors like dining where visual branding is crucial [31][42]. - The firm has been involved in significant discussions regarding its effectiveness and the perceived lack of innovative methodologies, with some critics labeling it as a "scam" [50][51]. - Despite criticisms, Hua Yu Hua has contributed to raising industry standards by establishing a high pricing model, which has influenced the overall pricing landscape in marketing services [58][62]. Group 3: Recent Controversies and Reactions - Luo Yonghao's public criticism of Hua Yu Hua has sparked widespread debate on social media about the value of their consulting fees and their relevance in today's marketing landscape [5][6]. - Following the backlash, Hua Yu Hua's leadership issued an apology to Luo, indicating a strategic move to mitigate negative public sentiment [66][68]. - The incident reflects the challenges faced by consulting firms in maintaining their reputation amidst public scrutiny and the evolving expectations of clients [70].

Core Points - The incident involving Luo Yonghao and the brand consulting company Hua Yu Hua has been resolved, with an apology issued by Hua Yu Hua's owner, allowing the focus to shift back to the serious topic of consumer rights regarding pre-prepared food in the restaurant industry [1] - Luo Yonghao expressed his frustration over comments made by Xibei's founder, who labeled him as a "cyber mafia" and criticized him, leading to a public confrontation during a live-streaming session [1] - Luo Yonghao emphasized the need for national regulations concerning pre-prepared food to be established promptly, indicating a shift in focus to more pressing business matters [1] Company Overview - Hua Yu Hua is a strategic marketing brand consulting firm that provides comprehensive services including corporate strategy, brand strategy, brand design, product development, and advertising creativity, with Xibei being one of its clients [1]

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the consulting firm Hua Yu Hua and its 60 million yuan fee for branding services highlights the disconnect between marketing strategies and actual product quality, raising questions about the accountability of consulting firms in the industry [1][11]. Group 1: The Incident - Luo Yonghao criticized Hua Yu Hua for their ineffective branding strategy for Xibei, which led to a public relations crisis when the "baby meal" was revealed to be a frozen pre-made dish [2][6]. - The backlash against Xibei's "baby meal" slogan illustrates how a compelling marketing message can backfire when it does not align with the product's reality, resulting in a loss of consumer trust [2][6]. Group 2: Accountability of Consulting Firms - The incident raises fundamental questions about the responsibilities of branding consultants like Hua Yu Hua, particularly regarding their role in ensuring that marketing messages reflect the actual product [3][4]. - A responsible consulting firm should not only create slogans but also engage in ongoing verification of the product's authenticity and quality, akin to a doctor's follow-up on a patient's treatment [5][10]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The crisis at Xibei serves as a microcosm of a broader issue within the consulting industry, where firms often excel in high-level strategy but fail to grasp the realities of execution and consumer expectations [7][9]. - The reliance on superficial branding without a deep understanding of the product can lead to significant reputational damage for both the consulting firm and the client, as seen in this case [6][12]. Group 4: Future of Brand Consulting - The industry must evolve beyond the "PPT era" of branding, requiring a more integrated approach that encompasses product quality, supply chain integrity, and consumer experience [10][12]. - The lesson learned from this incident is that brand consulting must prioritize genuine consumer trust over mere marketing rhetoric, as consumers are increasingly empowered to challenge misleading claims [8][11].