Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of male celebrities in China who have built successful personas around cooking, highlighting how this trend has become a viable career path for them [3][24]. Group 1: Celebrity Cooking Personas - Liu Yiwei is recognized as the first celebrity in China to gain fame through cooking, hosting the show "天天饮食" which attracted 5 million viewers daily [3][5]. - The cooking persona of Liu Yiwei paved the way for other celebrities, establishing a trend of portraying men as good husbands and fathers who can cook [4][5]. - Lin Yilun, another host from "天天饮食," leveraged his cooking skills to create a personal brand and business, including a chili sauce brand [7][8]. Group 2: Impact of Reality Shows - The reality show "爸爸去哪儿" (Where Are We Going, Dad?) helped Zhang Liang gain significant popularity due to his cooking skills, which became a memorable aspect of his persona [9][10]. - Huang Lei transitioned from a literary image to a caring father figure through cooking on the same show, leading to the launch of his cooking brand "黄小厨" [12][14]. - Huang Lei's involvement in various successful dramas and shows has solidified his image as a family-oriented figure, further enhancing his brand [14]. Group 3: Business Ventures and Success -谢霆锋's cooking persona began with "十二道锋味" (12 Flavors of Chef) in 2014, where he established himself as a chef and created a strong brand around his cooking [15][19]. - The launch of his food company, "锋味派," has seen significant success, with sales of his signature product, a gourmet sausage, reaching 1.5 billion yuan [21][22]. -谢霆锋's strategic partnerships, particularly with Alibaba, have allowed him to expand his brand and product offerings effectively [19][20]. Group 4: Industry Trends - The trend of male celebrities adopting cooking personas is largely driven by the need for career transformation as they age, allowing them to maintain relevance in the entertainment industry [25][26]. - The low barrier to entry in the food industry, combined with the universal appeal of cooking, makes it an attractive avenue for celebrities seeking to diversify their careers [28][29]. - The phenomenon reflects a broader trend where celebrities explore various business ventures, including live streaming and entrepreneurship, to sustain their careers [32].

Core Viewpoint - The rise of competitive cooking shows in China, influenced by the success of the Korean show "Black and White Chef: Culinary Class Warfare," indicates a shift in the culinary entertainment landscape, with platforms like Tencent Video and Youku launching similar formats to attract audiences [1][11]. Industry Trends - The new generation of cooking shows emphasizes competition and entertainment, moving away from the traditional soothing style of past culinary programs [3][8]. - The competitive format, featuring large-scale elimination rounds and class-based challenges, has revitalized interest in culinary content, although it remains to be seen if it can regain its former peak popularity [3][11]. Historical Context - Chinese culinary shows experienced significant success with programs like "A Bite of China" in 2012, which combined food with cultural storytelling, capturing global interest in Chinese cuisine [5]. - The introduction of competitive elements in shows like "Chef King" further enhanced the entertainment value and cultural exchange through culinary competitions [5][7]. Current Landscape - The market has seen a surge in culinary shows, but the oversaturation has led to issues of homogenization and formulaic content, creating a dilemma for producers [8][10]. - Recent shows like "One Meal to Seal the Gods" and "Hot Game: Hundred Chefs Battle" have adopted competitive formats but have not achieved the expected popularity, indicating a potential disconnect with the audience [11][13]. Market Reception - As of September 12, both "One Meal to Seal the Gods" and "Hot Game" have not made it into the top ten of effective viewership rankings, suggesting a lukewarm reception despite significant brand sponsorship [13]. - The competitive cooking format has attracted various brands for sponsorship, indicating some level of market interest, but the challenge remains to connect with a broader audience without relying on celebrity appeal [13].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Nicholas Tse, emphasizing his dedication to self-identity and excellence in both the entertainment and culinary industries, particularly through his brand "Feng Wei" [3][4]. Group 1: Culinary Ventures - In 2014, Nicholas Tse launched the culinary show "12 Flavors of Feng," aiming to promote food culture and share personal stories through culinary experiences [9]. - The "Feng Wei" brand has achieved significant success, with cumulative sales of its signature products reaching 1.5 billion yuan, and it has become a household name in over 160 cities with more than 15,000 stores [12]. - The brand's products, such as the juicy sausages and pasta, have become top-selling items, with 65% of consumers making repeat purchases within three months [12]. Group 2: Entrepreneurial Journey - Tse began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19, investing his earnings from acting and music into real estate, and later founded his first company, PO Chao Ting, which specialized in digital post-production [15][16]. - The company quickly gained traction, becoming a leading post-production house in Asia, and Tse maintained a low profile during its early years to focus on quality and results [20]. - By 2010, PO Chao Ting had grown significantly, handling major projects and achieving profitability, eventually selling the company for over 100 million HKD [21]. Group 3: Cultural Impact and Brand Philosophy - Tse's motivation for establishing PO Chao Ting was to elevate Hong Kong's film industry and create a sustainable business that adds social value [16][23]. - He aims to promote Chinese cuisine globally, viewing food as a cultural symbol that connects people and represents national identity [24]. - Tse has also invested in domestic brands like Xtep, demonstrating his commitment to supporting local enterprises and the "Guochao" movement [26].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Nicholas Tse, emphasizing his transition from a celebrity to a successful entrepreneur in the food industry, particularly through his brand "Feng Wei" and its impact on promoting Chinese cuisine globally [4][12][21]. Group 1: Nicholas Tse's Career Transition - Nicholas Tse began his career as a celebrity in 1996, facing skepticism but later evolved into a dual identity as an entertainer and entrepreneur [3][4]. - In 2011, Tse entered the culinary world, finding personal growth and stability through cooking, which became a therapeutic outlet for him [6][9]. - His cooking journey led to the creation of the culinary show "Twelve Flavors of Feng," aimed at promoting food culture and healing through cuisine [9][10]. Group 2: Business Development and Achievements - "Feng Wei" brand achieved significant milestones, with cumulative sales of its signature product, the juicy sausage, reaching 1.5 billion yuan, and becoming the top-selling product in the country for three consecutive years [12]. - The brand expanded its product line, with several items surpassing annual sales of 100 million yuan, and achieved a 65% customer repurchase rate within three months [12]. - By April 2025, "Feng Wei" had established a presence in over 160 cities and 15,000 stores across China, with plans for international expansion [12]. Group 3: Entrepreneurial Philosophy and Strategy - Tse's entrepreneurial approach is characterized by a commitment to quality and detail, ensuring that every product undergoes extensive testing and refinement before market release [10][18]. - He emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable social value through business, believing that successful entrepreneurship should contribute positively to society [14][20]. - Tse's experience in the entertainment industry has shaped his business strategies, focusing on finding the right talent and fostering a strong team culture [15][17]. Group 4: Cultural Impact and Vision - Tse aims to promote Chinese culinary culture globally, viewing food as a cultural symbol that can bridge East and West [21][23]. - His support for domestic brands, such as his investment in the Chinese sportswear brand Xtep, reflects his commitment to fostering local enterprises and contributing to the national economy [21][23]. - Tse's identity as a Chinese entrepreneur is reinforced by his decision to renounce his Canadian citizenship, further aligning his personal and professional values with his cultural heritage [23].