Core Insights - The return of the "wrinkled leaf vegetable" has been marked by significant sales growth, with a reported 80% month-on-month increase since its launch on Hema Fresh, and over 1,000 orders in the last month [1][6] - The introduction of this vegetable follows a trend of high-priced, unique vegetables entering the market, similar to the previously popular "ban lan gen" vegetable [6][24] - Both the wrinkled leaf vegetable and ban lan gen are considered "laboratory vegetables," developed through scientific breeding methods to meet consumer preferences [7][8] Product Development and Market Introduction - The wrinkled leaf vegetable was developed by Wuhan Asia-Africa Seed Industry Co., Ltd., with a focus on creating a variety that retains the nutritional benefits of kale while catering to Chinese culinary preferences [11][12] - The development process took over a decade, with successful cultivation achieved in 2020, leading to its market introduction in late 2022 [11][12] - The vegetable's market presence is still limited, with a current planting area of 5,000 acres, and plans to expand to 10,000 acres [27] Consumer Reception and Sales Performance - The wrinkled leaf vegetable is priced at approximately 10.8 yuan per 100g, making it relatively expensive compared to traditional vegetables [15][26] - Despite its novelty, sales figures indicate that it has not yet reached the popularity of more established vegetables, with only 1,000 monthly orders compared to 10,000 for more common varieties [26][27] - Consumer feedback on the taste has been mixed, with some describing it as needing specific cooking methods to enhance its flavor [28][32] Market Trends and Future Outlook - The trend of introducing unique vegetables is driven by consumer demand for health, taste, and novelty, with platforms like Hema and Dingdong Maicai actively seeking out new varieties [22][24] - The success of these new vegetables will depend on their ability to meet consumer expectations for taste and quality, as well as effective market supply management [33] - The potential for these vegetables to become mainstream depends on their adaptability to different regional tastes and the overall market saturation of unique vegetable varieties [33]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese agricultural sector is experiencing a transformation with the introduction of innovative "super vegetables" that cater to local tastes while maintaining nutritional value [1][4]. Group 1: Introduction of New Vegetables - The rise of health management has led to the popularity of foreign vegetables like kale, but they often do not align with Chinese culinary preferences [1]. - Domestic retail companies like Hema are pioneering the introduction of localized versions of these vegetables, such as the "Pro Max version" of kale, which has seen an 80% month-on-month sales growth since its launch [1][4]. Group 2: Development Process of New Varieties - The development of the new vegetable, African Wrinkled Leaf Cabbage, involved extensive research and trials, resulting in a product that is more suitable for Chinese consumers in terms of taste and cooking methods [4][9]. - The chairman of Yafei Seed Industry, He Yafei, emphasized the importance of controlling seed sources to ensure agricultural independence and innovation [6][9]. Group 3: Challenges in Seed Industry - The Chinese seed industry faces challenges, including heavy reliance on foreign seeds for certain vegetables, which can hinder agricultural development [6]. - Experts argue that to gain international influence and pricing power, China must develop its own seed varieties and enhance its research capabilities [6][9]. Group 4: Market Potential and Applications - The new vegetable not only meets nutritional needs but also aligns with local taste preferences, making it a viable option for various culinary applications, including juice and salad [1][11]. - There are ongoing market trials to integrate the African Wrinkled Leaf Cabbage into supply chains, such as using it in milk tea, which could enhance its market appeal [11].