Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of co-branding in the Chinese market, particularly in the "谷子经济" (Guzi Economy), highlighting the increasing frequency and variety of collaborations between brands and popular IPs [1][2][3] Group 1: Co-Branding Trends - By 2025, co-branding cases in China are expected to reach thousands, with nearly a hundred collaborations in the new tea beverage sector alone [1] - Successful co-branding hinges on strong IP and unique products, with a good IP collaboration potentially amplifying commercial value by 10 to 40 times [1][12] - The "谷子经济" is characterized by high brand premiums, yet many participants remain traditional toy and stationery manufacturers [3][24] Group 2: Financial Performance - Keep's online membership and paid content revenue fell to 330 million yuan, a 23% year-on-year decline, attributed to a decrease in virtual sports events [2][19] - The combined profits of several listed companies in the IP sector are less than Lego's 7.2 billion yuan net profit [2] - Sales expenses for major companies in the "谷子经济" have increased, indicating the financial strain of frequent co-branding [4][8] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The new tea beverage sector has seen a significant rise in sales expenses, exceeding 2.5 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, but many companies are adjusting their cost structures [8][9] - The article notes that while high-frequency co-branding can drive sales, it has also led to increased sales expenses for listed companies [4][8] - The performance of co-branding initiatives varies, with some brands struggling to convert new consumers into loyal customers [20][24] Group 4: Successful Case Studies - The collaboration between Wanda Films and the IP "光与夜之恋" generated over 106 million yuan in sales, showcasing the potential of high-profile IP partnerships [1][17] - The "哪吒2" collaboration led to a significant increase in revenue for Pop Mart, with a year-on-year growth of over 100% in IP licensing income [13][17] - The article emphasizes the importance of unique and differentiated products in successful co-branding, as seen in the case of Wanda's popcorn "痛桶" [27][28]