Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of mini-sized products in the food and beverage industry, highlighting how this innovation caters to modern consumer preferences for smaller portions and lower psychological burdens associated with consumption [5]. Group 1: Mini Products in the Market - Mini-sized ice creams and snacks have gained popularity, with products like the 42g mini chocolate cone from Hema and 30g ice bricks from Bright becoming consumer favorites due to their small size and low calorie count [6][11]. - Coca-Cola China has introduced a 248ml pocket bottle and a 200ml mini can, aiming to lower the initial purchase barrier for consumers concerned about spending, which has contributed to a market rebound [12][13]. - The trend extends to alcoholic beverages, with mini bottles of spirits becoming popular in convenience stores, allowing consumers to enjoy cocktails at home with smaller quantities [14][15]. Group 2: Economic and Psychological Factors - The mini packaging strategy allows companies to increase unit pricing despite lower overall prices, as seen with Coca-Cola's pricing on different bottle sizes [22]. - Smaller portion sizes help reduce the psychological burden of consuming high-calorie products, making them more appealing to health-conscious consumers [24]. - The production of mini products requires significant R&D investment to adjust recipes and cooking times, but the overall market demand for lower-priced, smaller items justifies this investment [24]. Group 3: Changing Demographics and Consumption Patterns - The rise of single-person households in China, projected to reach 150 to 200 million by 2030, drives demand for single-serving products [31]. - Companies are adapting to these demographic shifts by offering smaller packaging sizes, as seen with Aldi's adjustment of milk packaging to meet the needs of smaller households [33]. - The trend of mini products reflects a broader shift towards "one-person economy" lifestyles, where consumers seek variety and lower individual burdens in their purchases [34].

Group 1: Mini Products Trend - The concept of "mini" represents an extreme form of the one-person economy, offering a wider selection of products with lower individual burdens [1][25] - Mini products, such as 42g ice cream cones and 30g ice bricks, cater to consumers seeking smaller portions with less psychological burden [2][5] - The trend of miniaturization in food and beverages is gaining momentum, with companies like Coca-Cola introducing smaller packaging to appeal to modern consumers [6][7] Group 2: Market Impact and Consumer Behavior - Coca-Cola's introduction of a 248ml pocket bottle and 200ml mini cans has led to a market revival, with a 2.5% revenue increase in 2023 [8] - The miniaturization trend is also evident in alcoholic beverages, with smaller bottles becoming popular for home cocktail mixing [9][11] - The shift towards mini products aligns with changing consumer behaviors, particularly among younger generations who are drinking less and prefer smaller social gatherings [13][14] Group 3: Economic and Health Considerations - Mini products can serve as a pricing strategy, allowing companies to maintain or increase profit margins despite lower unit prices [15][16] - The demand for single-serving products is rising due to the increasing number of single-person households in China, projected to reach 150-200 million by 2030 [23][25] - Mini products provide a way for consumers to indulge in treats without excessive caloric intake, catering to a growing health-conscious market [26]