Group 1 - The company is accelerating its product update rhythm, expanding its "pickled vegetables + side dishes + seasoning dishes" matrix, and enhancing the speed of new product iterations [1] - The company established a "Industry-Academia-Research Joint Innovation Center" to strengthen product development and process optimization, focusing on low-salt, low-sugar, and multi-flavor directions [1] - The company is progressing with its green intelligent production base, with the first phase expected to be operational by June 2027, designed for an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons [1] Group 2 - The company experienced rapid export growth, with pickled vegetable exports reaching 22,400 tons and export revenue of 210 million yuan in 2024, representing year-on-year increases of 22.2% and 25.7% respectively [1] - The company's products are exported to over 80 countries, primarily focusing on pickled vegetables while extending to some seasoning products [1] - The brand has successfully registered a geographical indication trademark and was included in the top 100 agricultural brand reputations and the list of China's consumer famous products in 2024 [1] Group 3 - In Q1 2025, the company reported revenue of 713 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 4.75%, while maintaining stable profitability with a net profit of 272 million yuan, a slight increase of 0.24% year-on-year [2] - The company increased its inventory of raw materials, with stock growing by 41.4% compared to the end of the previous year, laying the foundation for future peak season preparations [2] - The company is adjusting its earnings forecast due to slow recovery in core sales and increased pressure on expenses, with expected EPS for 2025-2027 being 0.72, 0.79, and 0.88 yuan respectively [2]

Pricing Strategy - The company last raised prices at the end of 2021 due to rising raw material costs, impacting sales in 2022 [1] - In 2023, the company introduced a 60g product at a price of 2 yuan to stabilize low-price competition and plans to lift restrictions on 60g product distribution in 2024 [1] - An "increase quantity without increasing price" strategy was implemented for the 80g product this year to enhance consumer perception and brand loyalty [2] Market Dynamics - The company's sales are primarily concentrated in first-tier cities, but there is a shift as consumers return to county-level markets, affecting sales strategies [3] - The pickled vegetable market is currently in a state of stock competition, with competitors increasing promotional efforts, prompting the company to enhance its marketing strategies [3] Collaboration with Retailers - The company has established a large customer group sales department to directly engage with major retailers like Sam's Club and Hema, allowing for customized product development and direct feedback [4] Mergers and Acquisitions - The company is pursuing a "dual-wheel drive" strategy, planning to acquire Weizimei to enter the compound seasoning market, which has significant growth potential [5] - Weizimei has established capabilities in B-end product development, which the company aims to leverage for rapid channel expansion [5] Online Presence - The company has invested in online advertising and promotions, but the short-term returns are lower compared to offline channels, impacting profit margins [6] - The online market is characterized by low-price competition, which could disrupt the company's mid-to-high-end product positioning [6] Product Development - The company has focused heavily on promoting pickled vegetables, leading to weaker support for other product categories [7] - Adjustments have been made to the production process and positioning of radish products, with new offerings like "Crispy Dried Radish" launched in Hema [7] Sales Model - The company has implemented a credit system for long-term, high-volume distributors, allowing them to use credit mid-year, while others continue with a "payment before delivery" model [8] Competitive Advantages - The company benefits from strong brand recognition, particularly for "Wujiangs" pickled vegetables, and has a stable supply of raw materials from the Fuling region [9] - Advanced production technology and a seasoned management team provide a competitive edge in the industry [9] Employee Incentives - The company is exploring long-term incentive mechanisms, including stock options, to enhance employee motivation [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the declining performance of Fuling Mustard, the leading pickled vegetable brand in China, highlighting a significant drop in sales and market presence due to changing consumer preferences and increased competition from other food products like dipping sauces [3][9][30]. Financial Performance - Fuling Mustard reported a decline in both revenue and net profit for the second consecutive year, with five out of seven major sales regions experiencing varying degrees of decline [3][5]. - The company's market value has decreased by 300 billion yuan from a peak of over 350 billion yuan five years ago [5][11]. Market Dynamics - The consumption of Fuling Mustard has significantly changed, with the product now being less visible in key consumption scenarios such as supermarkets and high-speed trains, where consumers are opting for more diverse meal options [10][20]. - The brand's pricing strategy has led to a reduction in the number of distributors, with a notable decline of nearly 60% in the South China sales region [17][20]. Consumer Preferences - Younger consumers are increasingly sensitive to health concerns related to high-sodium products, leading them to seek alternatives like dipping sauces, which are perceived as more sophisticated and versatile [25][30]. - The rise of various brands in the dipping sauce market, including those from influencers and traditional brands, has created a competitive landscape that Fuling Mustard struggles to navigate [28][30]. Product Strategy - Fuling Mustard has heavily relied on its flagship product, which now accounts for over 80% of its revenue, limiting its growth potential [22][23]. - The company has attempted diversification by exploring other products like pickled radish and seaweed, but these efforts have not yielded significant results [23][30]. Marketing Efforts - In response to declining sales, Fuling Mustard has increased its marketing budget by over 30% in 2024, allocating 100 million yuan for promotional activities [32][34]. - Despite past successful marketing campaigns, current strategies have not resonated with younger consumers, leading to ineffective promotional efforts [34][36]. Industry Challenges - The challenges faced by Fuling Mustard reflect broader issues within the traditional food industry, emphasizing the need for value reconstruction rather than merely targeting premium markets [38].

Core Viewpoint - Fuling Pickle (002507.SZ) is actively expanding into the leisure snack market amid ongoing performance pressure, including a recent acquisition of a 51% stake in Sichuan Weizimei Food Technology Co., Ltd. to enhance its competitive edge and product offerings [1][4]. Financial Performance - For 2024, Fuling Pickle reported a revenue of 2.387 billion, a year-on-year decline of 2.56%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 799 million, down 3.29% [2]. - In Q1 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 713 million, a decrease of 4.75%, while the net profit was 272 million, showing a slight increase of 0.24% [3]. - The company’s cash flow from operating activities saw a significant increase of 87.59%, reaching 817 million [2]. Market Competition - The industry is characterized by intense competition, with many companies facing low profit margins due to low entry barriers [3][4]. - Fuling Pickle's competitors include brands like Huaitong, Tongqianqiao, and Yiquan, which also hold significant market influence [3]. Capacity Utilization and Expansion - The company faces concerns regarding underutilized capacity, with the Northeast production base's utilization rate falling below 37% in 2024 [4]. - Fuling Pickle's planned expansion project for a green intelligent production base has faced delays, with only 10.94% of the project completed by the end of 2024 [3]. New Market Ventures - The company is venturing into the leisure snack sector, which is also experiencing fierce competition and price wars [5]. - Competitors in the snack industry, such as Liangpinpuzi and Laiyifen, have reported significant losses, indicating the challenges within the sector [5][7].

Core Viewpoint - The signing ceremony between Fuling Pickle Group and Chongqing Hailin Pig Development Co., Ltd. marks a significant step towards the integration of the Fuling Pickle and Fuling Black Pig industries, exploring a modern agricultural model focused on "circular farming and green low-carbon" practices [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Integration - The collaboration aims to combine the planting advantages of Fuling Pickle with the breeding resources of Fuling Black Pig, establishing a "vegetable-pig symbiosis" circular economy chain [3]. - Hailin Pig will provide organic fertilizer for pickle cultivation, promoting standardized planting, while Fuling Pickle Group will offer green planting technology and prioritize the purchase of high-quality raw materials for premium product production [3]. Group 2: Sustainable Development - The integration of the two industries is seen as essential for sustainable agricultural development, improving industry efficiency, enhancing ecological environment, and ensuring food safety [3]. - The "vegetable-pig integration" model has shown significant results in feed improvement, soil enhancement, and environmental benefits, with bio-feed developed from pickle stems replacing 20% of traditional feed, increasing the breeding profit by over 150 yuan per pig [3]. Group 3: Product Innovation - The first batch of innovative products launched includes Fuling Pickle Black Pig braised pork, black pig meat buns, and black pig sausages, indicating a shift from traditional seasoning to prepared and convenience food sectors [5]. - Future product development will include "Fuling Black Pig Pickle Shredded Meat" and "Fuling Pickle Black Pig Sauce," supported by a comprehensive quality control system to provide high-quality integrated products to consumers [5]. Group 4: Rural Revitalization - This partnership serves as a model for industry integration and injects new momentum into rural revitalization, accelerating the development of food processing industry clusters in Fuling District [8]. - The collaboration represents both a transformation and upgrade of traditional agriculture and an innovative practice in green development, positioning Fuling towards high-quality development through a dual-chain approach [8].

Core Viewpoint - Fuling Pickles is pursuing the acquisition of a 51% stake in Sichuan Weizimei Food Technology Co., Ltd. to address declining performance amid intense market competition and to enhance its growth strategy through mergers and acquisitions [2][7]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Fuling Pickles reported a revenue of 2.387 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 2.56%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 799 million yuan, down 3.29% [2]. - For Q1 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 713 million yuan, a decrease of 4.75%, while the net profit slightly increased by 0.24% to 272 million yuan [2]. Market Competition - The company faces significant pressure due to fierce competition in a low-barrier industry, with many competitors like Huaitong, Tongqianqiao, and Yiquan also impacting market dynamics [3]. Production Capacity and Utilization - Fuling Pickles has struggled with production capacity expansion, with only 10.94% of the planned capacity for the "Wujiang Fuling Pickles Green Intelligent Production Base" completed after five years [4]. - The utilization rate of the Northeast production base is alarmingly low, at less than 37%, with a notable decline in sales volume for products like radishes, which dropped by 29.79% year-on-year [4]. Distributor Network - The number of distributors decreased from 3,239 at the end of 2023 to 2,632 by the end of 2024, marking an 18.74% decline, with the South China region experiencing a drastic reduction of 58.41% [8][9]. Acquisition Details - Weizimei, established in June 2018, has total assets of 203 million yuan and a net profit of approximately 39.62 million yuan for 2024, despite a decline in revenue [10]. - Fuling Pickles aims to leverage the acquisition to expand its product offerings and enhance its market competitiveness, although long-term sustainable growth will depend on various factors beyond the acquisition [10].

Summary of the Conference Call Company and Industry - The conference call involved **Wujang Pickled Vegetables**, a company in the **pickled food industry** focusing on the production and sales of pickled vegetables, particularly mustard greens. Key Points and Arguments 1. **2024 Performance Overview**: The company acknowledged concerns regarding its performance in 2024, particularly the lack of positive growth, and emphasized the need for communication about its strategies and challenges moving forward [2][3][4]. 2. **Organizational Changes**: The new chairman's arrival in 2014 marked a year of significant reforms, including restructuring and process reengineering, which have shown some positive results [2][3]. 3. **Product Development and Market Adaptation**: The company has been actively working on product development and market responsiveness, establishing a streamlined process that integrates research, market analysis, and production [3][4]. 4. **Sales Strategy**: The company has focused on enhancing its sales strategy by improving relationships with distributors and adjusting its product offerings to better compete with rivals [4][5]. 5. **Pricing Strategy**: In response to market conditions, the company decided to maintain a stable pricing strategy, particularly focusing on keeping the price of its core products around two yuan, despite previous attempts to increase prices [6][7]. 6. **Raw Material Management**: The company reported a successful acquisition of raw materials, achieving record levels in 2024, which has helped maintain cost control [7][8]. 7. **Production Upgrades**: The company is investing in upgrading its production lines to improve quality and flexibility, adapting to changing market demands [8][9]. 8. **Sales Growth Expectations**: The company expressed optimism about sales growth in 2025, driven by a focus on core products and new product lines [9][10]. 9. **Consumer Insights**: The company conducted consumer research indicating a strong brand recognition and a diverse consumer base, primarily targeting women aged 25-45 [21][22]. 10. **Challenges in Sales Volume**: The company acknowledged a decline in sales volume due to changes in consumer preferences and competitive pressures, particularly in lower price segments [15][18]. 11. **New Product Development**: The company is exploring new product lines, including pickled radishes and other vegetables, to diversify its offerings and meet consumer demand [19][20]. 12. **E-commerce Strategy**: The company is enhancing its online sales strategy, focusing on distinct marketing approaches for different platforms to avoid internal competition [26][27]. 13. **Future Growth Plans**: The company aims for an 8% growth target for 2025, balancing volume and pricing strategies to enhance competitiveness [31][32]. 14. **Market Competition**: The company is aware of increasing competition from both established brands and new entrants in the pickled vegetable market, prompting strategic adjustments [44][45]. Other Important but Overlooked Content - The company is committed to increasing dividends in the future as part of its strategy to enhance shareholder returns [24]. - The management emphasized the importance of adapting to consumer trends and market dynamics to maintain its leadership position in the industry [34][35]. - The company is also focusing on strengthening its presence in the restaurant channel, which has shown significant growth potential [41][42]. This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategies, challenges, and future outlook in the pickled food industry.

证券研究报告 | 公司 深度报告 2024年12月01日 签约客户可长按扫码阅读报告： 市场上对 涪陵榨菜的主要担忧在于公司及行业成长性放缓，同时历史上所体现的强提价能 力也有所减弱，估值修复难度大。行业层面看，增长放缓是事实，但包装化趋势下，新 消费场景、人群、渠道对行业增长仍有明显驱动。更重要的是，我们认为当前阶段应以 新的投资视角来看待公司投资逻辑，一方面公司业绩企稳，内部管理改善，竞争优势强 化，未来业绩更加平稳周期性减弱；另一方面公司现金流充裕，逐步进入资本开始减 弱，资本回报提升的战略新阶段。建议关注业绩企稳周期性弱化，投资回报提升拉动的 估值修复。 核心观点 行业层面：预期增速下降，包装化的趋势下关注消费力拐点 + 升级新方向。 虽然行业整体消费量增长放缓，但我国腌制品行业目前仍有一定增长驱动，主要体现在： 1 ） 行业规范性提升，包装化替代趋势延续； 2 ）健康趋势下轻盐产品兴起，产品接受度提升，拉动消费端需求增长； 3 ）消费场景、人群、渠道不断完善拓展，年轻群体消 费潜力得到挖掘，消费场景日益多元化，同时线上、餐饮等渠道拓展也带动了行业的进一步增长。 公司层面：根基牢固优势显著，管理变革催 ...