Investment Rating - The report indicates a strong growth potential for the in-home dining industry, with a projected market size exceeding 6 trillion yuan by 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2018 to 2024 [28][23]. Core Insights - The in-home dining market is primarily composed of three segments: ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook meal products, fresh ingredients for home cooking, and food delivery services [11][5]. - The industry has evolved from individual private chef services to a comprehensive dining system that integrates meal preparation and delivery, driven by the rise of the "宅经济" (stay-at-home economy) and enhanced food safety regulations [19][15]. - Urbanization and increasing disposable income are significant drivers for the industry's expansion, with China still having considerable room for growth compared to developed countries [23][84]. Summary by Sections Industry Definition - The in-home dining service consists of three main categories: fresh ingredients for home cooking, meal delivery services, and ready-to-eat meal products [5][11]. Industry Development - The industry has transitioned through various phases, from early exploration with private chefs to a more structured and regulated market that includes meal delivery and ready-to-eat products [15][22]. Industry Outlook - The potential for market expansion is substantial, supported by urbanization and rising disposable income, which are expected to drive growth in the dining sector [23][84]. Industry Scale - The overall market size for in-home dining surpassed 5 trillion yuan in 2022 and is projected to exceed 6 trillion yuan by 2024, with a CAGR of 11.5% [28][29]. Industry Growth Drivers - Key growth drivers include advancements in food industrialization, improvements in cold chain logistics, and a shift towards higher consumer spending on food [32][36]. Industry Value Chain - The industry value chain encompasses upstream raw material supply, midstream production and processing, and downstream sales channels, with cold chain logistics being crucial for maintaining product quality [39][42]. Upstream Trends - The prices of meat have shown a downward trend, while rice prices remain stable, and vegetable prices exhibit seasonal fluctuations [43][44]. Midstream Dynamics - The industry is characterized by a fragmented market structure, with a few leading players like锅圈 (Guoquan) establishing a strong presence [47][49]. Downstream Channels - The distribution channels for in-home dining products are diverse, including both online and offline platforms, supported by cold chain logistics to ensure product freshness [53][56]. Company Spotlight: Guoquan - Guoquan has emerged as a leading brand in the in-home dining sector, focusing on a wide range of meal products and expanding its retail network significantly [59][61].

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding pre-prepared meals in the restaurant industry highlights a significant disconnect between industry standards and consumer perceptions, emphasizing the need for better communication and transparency [1][4][28]. Group 1: Industry Dynamics - The pre-prepared meal industry has evolved from being rejected by the restaurant sector to being widely accepted, yet consumer understanding remains limited [4][7]. - There is a lack of unified definitions and standards for pre-prepared meals, leading to misunderstandings between industry professionals and consumers [16][27]. - The primary reasons for restaurants using pre-prepared meals are cost control and the need for standardization across multiple locations [10][11]. Group 2: Consumer Perception - Consumers often equate any meal that is not freshly prepared on-site with being a pre-prepared meal, which creates a perception problem for restaurants [5][18]. - The key issue for consumers is the perceived value of pre-prepared meals, with a strong emphasis on whether the price reflects the quality of the food [20][21]. - Transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared meals is a double-edged sword for restaurants, as full disclosure may harm brand image while withholding information could lead to trust issues [22][24]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The trend towards industrialization in the restaurant sector is irreversible, with increasing costs and the demand for standardization driving the adoption of pre-prepared meals [26][27]. - The future of the restaurant industry may see a diversification of models, ranging from fully made-to-order establishments to those that embrace pre-prepared meal solutions [31][32]. - A collaborative effort is needed among businesses, industry regulators, and consumers to establish clear standards and improve communication, ensuring a balanced approach to efficiency and consumer experience [30][33].