Group 1 - The phenomenon of high-priced bread is creating a buying frenzy in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, with consumers willing to wait in long lines for artisan products priced from 35 yuan [1][3] - High-priced bakeries typically feature open kitchens, emphasize imported ingredients and traditional methods, and offer limited daily flavors, with production costs estimated to be under 15 yuan per item despite premium ingredients [3][4] - The rise in demand for high-priced bread is attributed to a shift in consumer preferences towards quality ingredients and health consciousness, with a reported 17% year-on-year increase in per capita consumption of baked goods in China [3][4] Group 2 - Market opinions are divided, with some nutritionists supporting the value of premium bread due to its lack of trans fats, while others criticize the pricing as inflated based on branding rather than ingredient quality [4][5] - Some businesses are employing psychological pricing strategies, such as increasing prices significantly for modified products, and using scarcity tactics to create a sense of urgency among consumers [4][6] - The ongoing "bread war" is seen as a reflection of the transformation in China's consumer market, with a potential industry shakeout expected as only brands that genuinely convert premium pricing into product value are likely to survive [6]