Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the ice cream brand Zhong Xue Gao, once hailed as the "Hermès of ice cream," highlighting its bankruptcy review announcement and the factors contributing to its struggles in the changing consumer market [2][6]. Group 1: Company Overview - Zhong Xue Gao was founded in 2018, strategically positioning itself in the price range of 10 to 30 yuan, avoiding direct competition with traditional brands while leveraging the appeal of domestic products [18][19]. - The brand initially thrived during the golden era of new consumption, achieving rapid growth and attracting significant investment, with a valuation nearing 4 billion yuan [21][22]. Group 2: Challenges Faced - In 2022, two major events destabilized Zhong Xue Gao: the challenge of high pricing strategies and a public relations crisis stemming from a viral video questioning the safety of its products [23][24]. - The brand's annual growth rate plummeted from over 100% to 50% in 2022 due to the negative impact of these events on consumer trust [25]. Group 3: Attempts at Recovery - In response to its struggles, Zhong Xue Gao launched sub-brands like "Li Da Ju" and "Sa'Saa" to diversify its offerings and target different price segments, but faced stiff competition from established brands [11][15]. - The company also ventured into live-streaming e-commerce as a means to generate revenue and repay debts, with founder Lin Sheng actively participating in sales efforts [12][14]. Group 4: Market Trends - The article notes a significant shift in the Chinese consumer market, with consumers becoming more price-sensitive and less willing to pay a premium for brand stories, leading to a decline in demand for high-priced ice cream [30][31]. - The current ice cream market is characterized by a focus on affordable products, smaller sizes, and health-conscious options, with traditional brands adapting to these trends [31][32].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the once-popular ice cream brand "Chong Xue Gao," highlighting its bankruptcy and the factors leading to its downfall, including over-marketing and loss of consumer trust [5][48]. Group 1: Company Overview - "Chong Xue Gao" was once a leading player in the ice cream market, achieving annual sales of 1 billion yuan and being referred to as the "Hermès of ice cream" [5][26]. - The company has entered bankruptcy proceedings due to an inability to repay debts, with over 25.72 million yuan in unpaid obligations [16][5]. - The founder, Lin Sheng, faces restrictions on high consumption and has limited capital maneuverability due to the pledging of shares in multiple companies [15][5]. Group 2: Market Performance - The brand has seen a significant decline in its presence in physical retail locations, with reports of its products being absent from major convenience stores and supermarkets [10][12]. - Online sales platforms have also closed, with only a few products remaining available for pre-sale, indicating a drastic reduction in consumer interest [18][19]. - The brand's attempt to launch a budget line called "Zhong Xue Bu Gao" failed to resonate with consumers, further damaging its reputation [42][43]. Group 3: Consumer Sentiment - Consumer reactions to the brand's decline are mixed, with some expressing satisfaction over its downfall due to past pricing strategies, while others lament the loss of a once-popular brand [22]. - The article emphasizes that consumer silence and dissatisfaction are more telling than any bankruptcy announcement, reflecting a broader sentiment of disillusionment with the brand [22][48]. Group 4: Marketing and Branding Issues - The brand's initial success was attributed to aggressive marketing strategies, including high-profile endorsements and premium pricing, which ultimately led to a disconnect with product quality [26][30]. - Events such as the "ice cream assassin" controversy and the "fire does not melt" incident severely damaged consumer trust, leading to a backlash against the brand [28][31]. - The article critiques the reliance on marketing over product quality, suggesting that brands must deliver real value to sustain consumer loyalty [61][60]. Group 5: Industry Insights - The article notes a shift in consumer preferences towards affordable ice cream options, with most popular products priced under 10 yuan, contrasting with the high-end positioning of "Chong Xue Gao" [50][51]. - It highlights a broader trend in the market where brands that prioritize genuine product quality over marketing hype are more likely to succeed [63][62].

Company Developments - JD.com will invest 2 billion to upgrade benefits for full-time delivery riders, with over 150,000 full-time riders as of the end of Q2. The company has also started to upgrade its compensation service from "timely compensation" to a new service called "准时宝" since around July 11 [6] - The ice cream brand "钟薛高" has been applied for bankruptcy due to its inability to repay debts, leading to a court suspension of execution and transfer of the case for bankruptcy review [6] - Tesla's new model, Model Y L, has appeared in the latest vehicle public directory from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, estimated to be priced around 400,000 yuan and expected to launch in Q3 [6] - Pinming Technology expects a net profit of 28 million to 34 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 231.79% to 302.89% [6] - Tuoxin Pharmaceutical plans to increase capital by 10 million yuan in a biotechnology company that has achieved high-purity ergotamine production [6] Investment News - China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation reported that 12.74 million new investors were added in 2024, a year-on-year increase of over 5%, indicating an average of over 1 million new investors entering the market each month [4] - Over 130 funds have announced liquidation this year, continuing the trend of "normalization of liquidation" seen in the past two years, affecting popular thematic funds in sectors like dividends and pharmaceuticals [4] - On Wednesday, A-shares experienced fluctuations with the lithium mining index declining and circuit board concept stocks dropping, while pharmaceutical and robotics concept stocks were active. The Shanghai Composite Index closed down 0.03% at 3,503.78 points [4] - The Hong Kong Hang Seng Index fell 0.29% to 24,517.76 points, with the Hang Seng Technology Index down 0.24%. The market saw a turnover of 259 billion HKD, with net buying from southbound funds amounting to 1.603 billion HKD [4]

Core Insights - The luxury ice cream brands, particularly "Chong Xue Gao" and Häagen-Dazs, are facing significant operational challenges and declining market presence, leading to store closures and financial difficulties [1][2][12] - Consumer sentiment has shifted towards rational consumption, with a growing skepticism towards high-priced ice creams, resulting in a market correction [15][22][30] Group 1: Market Trends - The hashtag IceCreamAssassinIsBankrupt has gained 17.83 million views on Weibo, highlighting the public's awareness of the crisis in the premium ice cream sector [1] - "Chong Xue Gao" has seen its product offerings reduced to only three flavors on its Tmall flagship store, with customer service citing "operational difficulties" [2] - Häagen-Dazs has reduced its store count from over 400 to 250 in just a year and a half, indicating a significant contraction in its market presence [12] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - A survey indicated that over 60% of consumers believe that the high prices of ice creams are due to excessive marketing costs rather than quality [21] - The emergence of new beverage categories, such as new tea drinks, has diverted consumer spending away from traditional ice cream products [21] - The trend of rational consumption is reinforced by regulatory measures, such as the implementation of clear pricing regulations in major cities [22] Group 3: Brand Performance - "Chong Xue Gao" experienced a rapid rise and fall, with its revenue exceeding 1 billion yuan within 16 months of its launch, but has since faced numerous lawsuits and negative publicity [10][8] - Häagen-Dazs reported a 3.2% decline in sales in China for the fiscal year ending May 2025, with a double-digit drop in customer traffic [12] - The brand's high-end image is being challenged as consumers increasingly seek value for money, leading to a decline in its market appeal [30]