36氪独家获悉，美团在社区折扣超市"快乐猴"之外，其前置仓业务小象超市也在筹备新的线下店项目。 新项目将采用大店模式，于今年6月正式立项，由小象超市既有团队负责，首店预计今年12月在北京开 出。 至此，美团的线下布局可以概括为"两条腿走路"：线下折扣项目"快乐猴超市"划分至社区团购业务"美 团优选"，对标盒马NB、奥乐齐等社区超市；大店项目由小象超市团队负责，跳出社区做大店，整体选 品定位也更贴近目前小象超市的中高定位。 美团的线下布局，伴随着新业务的优化与转向而生。今年4月，36氪曾独家报道小象超市即将开设线下 店，社区折扣店、大店均在考虑范围；6月下旬，美团优选宣布退出亏损区域，仅保留杭州、广东等少 数地区的业务，而小象超市从今年1月起开始酝酿的"快乐猴超市"转而交由原优选团队负责，保留了优 选仓储中心的杭州成为开店第一站；同样是在6月，小象内部将大店立项——与持续亏损的社区团购相 比，即时零售跑出了确定性需求，美团也从优选业务中离场，转而抢夺线下阵地的增量市场，这构成了 美团新业务的最新变化。 目前，快乐猴超市在杭州的筹备已经基本完成，位于杭州市拱墅区大关路的首店将于8月29日开业，门 店SKU约170 ...

Core Insights - Major internet companies are rapidly entering new business areas, particularly in the community discount supermarket sector, with Meituan's "Happy Monkey" supermarket set to open soon, despite the company denying the reports [1][4] - The community discount supermarket model, exemplified by Hema NB, is gaining traction, with Hema NB's store count reaching 303 in just two years, indicating a successful expansion strategy [5][7] Community Store Acceleration - The community store model has become a hot investment area in the retail market, with companies like Walmart and JD also exploring similar formats [4] - Despite the buzz, the expansion of community discount stores has been slow historically, with examples like Aoleqi taking four years to grow its store count significantly [4][5] Hema NB's Rapid Growth - Hema NB has successfully expanded through a "1+N" model, focusing on densely populated areas and offering self-pickup points for online orders, which has contributed to its rapid growth [5][7] - Hema NB aims to achieve a profitable model with a target of 150,000 RMB in monthly sales and a 15% gross margin, which, if successful, will lead to nationwide expansion [5][7] Discount Store Model Evolution - The community discount store model is characterized by hard discount strategies, which have become increasingly popular among consumers in China [8][9] - The global discount retail market shows that China has significant room for growth, with only 3.8% of retail sales currently coming from discount retail [8] Supply Chain and Pricing Strategy - Hema NB's pricing strategy includes significant discounts on everyday items, leveraging a streamlined supply chain and a focus on self-branded products to maintain low prices [18][19] - The model emphasizes the importance of supply chain efficiency, allowing for competitive pricing and improved inventory turnover [18][19] Challenges and Market Dynamics - The community supermarket sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and established players like Lianhua and Aoleqi intensifying the price competition [21][22] - The franchise model adopted by Hema NB, while enabling rapid expansion, poses risks as profitability heavily relies on consistent sales performance at individual stores [21][22]

Group 1: Plant-Based Beverage Industry - The plant-based beverage industry is experiencing a divergence in performance among major companies, with some like Yangyuan Beverage seeing profit growth despite a slight revenue decline, while others like Huanlejia face declines in both revenue and profit [2] - Traditional plant-based beverages are limited by seasonal demand and face competition from emerging categories, necessitating innovation to meet the health-conscious preferences of younger consumers [2] Group 2: Chinese Condiment Industry - The Chinese condiment industry has evolved from a focus on export during the planned economy era to becoming a global rule-maker, with companies like Haitian Flavoring and Lee Kum Kee leading the way [3][4] - The industry is leveraging cultural exports and technological innovation to reshape its landscape, emphasizing quality and innovation to support the globalization of Chinese flavors [4] Group 3: Community Supermarkets - Community supermarkets are gaining traction, with brands like Ole' and Hema NB expanding rapidly, focusing on middle-class consumers and enhancing product quality and efficiency [5] - The core competitiveness of community supermarkets lies in product control and operational efficiency, requiring deep supply chain engagement and digital tool application [5] Group 4: Health and Wellness Trends - There is a growing trend among young consumers towards "light wellness" products, with a focus on health-conscious beverages that are low in sugar and calories [6] - Boxed water products have seen significant sales growth, with products like fig and flaxseed water experiencing a 130% increase in sales [6] Group 5: Instant Food Market - The instant food market is shifting from high-end products to a focus on affordability, with budget products now accounting for nearly 50% of the instant noodle market [7] - Future opportunities lie in diversifying flavors and adjusting strategies to meet the differentiated demands of various market segments [7] Group 6: Aging Population and Bakery Market - The aging population is driving demand for soft-textured baked goods, with health-oriented and age-appropriate products becoming market hotspots [9] - Innovations inspired by Japanese practices, such as low-sugar and low-salt options, are key directions for the industry [9] Group 7: Snack Food Market Forecast - The Chinese snack food market is projected to grow to 972 billion yuan by 2025, with nut snacks holding the largest market share [10] - The industry is witnessing a shift towards health-oriented ready-to-eat products, with e-commerce and live streaming becoming significant growth drivers [10] Group 8: Beverage Market Dynamics - The beverage market is undergoing adjustments, with significant growth in electrolyte water and tea beverages, while packaged water sales are declining [12] - Companies like Nongfu Spring and Eastroc Beverage are experiencing contrasting performance, highlighting the competitive landscape [12] Group 9: Pre-made Dishes Market - The pre-made dishes market is experiencing a cooling phase, with many leading companies facing revenue declines due to changing consumer demands and increased competition [14] - Opportunities remain in local specialties and high-end products, with new retail channels emerging as growth points [14] Group 10: Health Drink Innovations - The market for Chinese herbal health drinks is expanding rapidly, with sales increasing from 0.1 billion yuan in 2018 to an expected 10 billion yuan by 2028 [19] - Companies are focusing on packaging, formulation, and marketing to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape [19] Group 11: Functional Beverage Market - The functional beverage market is becoming increasingly diverse, with brands like Zhenguanzhuang entering the market with zero-sugar options targeting health-conscious consumers [32] - The collaboration between Zhenguanzhuang and Super Extreme Drink aims to fill market gaps and cater to the preferences of the younger generation [32] Group 12: Snack Food IPO Trends - Recent trends show a surge in snack food companies seeking IPOs in Hong Kong, with brands like Three Squirrels aiming to solidify their market position [21] - These companies face challenges related to competition and growth bottlenecks, despite their ambitions for expansion [21]

Core Viewpoint - Community supermarkets are becoming a new trend in the retail industry, with significant expansion and innovation among key players like Aoleqi, Hema NB, and Shengxian Legend [2][10][35]. Group 1: Market Expansion and Trends - Aoleqi has entered Jiangsu with a store in Wuxi achieving over 1 million in sales, indicating a strong market presence [3]. - Hema NB opened its first store in Wuxi with nearly 10,000 visitors on the first day and sales exceeding 1 million [3]. - Shengxian Legend plans to open 100 new stores this year, aiming for a total of 500 by next year and 1,000 in five years [5]. Group 2: Characteristics of Successful Community Supermarkets - Targeting middle-class consumers is a common strategy among successful community supermarkets, as seen with Aoleqi and Hema NB [14]. - Standardization of fresh produce has become a fundamental aspect of store operations, enhancing efficiency and online sales capabilities [15][16]. - The integration of product design, quality, and selection adaptability is crucial for brand strength, with Aoleqi's private label products making up 90% of its offerings [18]. Group 3: Challenges and Market Dynamics - The community retail sector is facing challenges due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences, particularly after the pandemic [10][11]. - The rise of discount formats and new brands is reshaping the market landscape, making it difficult for traditional community stores to maintain profitability [11]. - The need for community stores to adapt to consumer demands and market changes is critical for survival [11][12]. Group 4: Operational Efficiency and Brand Trust - Quality control is a key value for successful retailers, with Aoleqi emphasizing high standards in product sourcing and production [28]. - Efficiency in operations is essential, balancing cost and benefit while ensuring a positive customer experience [31][32]. - Building brand trust through consistent quality and competitive pricing is vital for long-term success in the community supermarket sector [20].