Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid rise of "Nai Pi Zi Tang Hu Lu" (milk skin candied hawthorn) as a trending dessert in China, driven by its unique flavor and visual appeal, leading to significant consumer demand and market opportunities [6][11][25]. Group 1: Product Popularity - "Nai Pi Zi Tang Hu Lu" has become a top trending product, with social media buzz generating over 600 million views on platforms like Douyin [7][11]. - The product's price has surged, with offline sales reaching 48 yuan per skewer and online prices being speculated at 99 yuan, indicating high demand despite the elevated cost [11][14]. - Long queues at stores across cities like Shanghai and Nanjing reflect the product's popularity, with some consumers waiting up to 70 minutes to purchase [9][10]. Group 2: Product Innovation - The product features two key upgrades: a layer of milk skin made from fresh milk that enhances flavor and texture, and the introduction of various innovative fillings beyond traditional hawthorn [15][18]. - The combination of flavors and textures creates a multi-layered taste experience, appealing to consumers' desire for both taste and aesthetics [19][20]. - The visual appeal of the product, with vibrant colors and creative shapes, enhances its marketability as a "photo-worthy" item [23][24]. Group 3: Market Expansion - The success of "Nai Pi Zi Tang Hu Lu" has prompted other food and beverage brands to explore "Nai Pi Zi" as a core element in their product lines, leading to a diverse range of offerings [25][26]. - Tea brands have successfully integrated milk skin into their products, resulting in significant sales increases, such as a 60% rise in sales for a new product combining milk skin and hawthorn [26][29]. - The baking sector is also innovating with milk skin, creating products like milk skin cakes and rolls that cater to consumer preferences for unique flavors and textures [34][36]. Group 4: Underlying Factors for Success - The article attributes the rise of milk skin products to low innovation costs and a well-established supply chain, making it easier for brands to experiment with new offerings [55][56]. - The unique taste and clean ingredient profile of milk skin resonate with consumers seeking natural and additive-free products, enhancing its appeal [65][66]. - The versatility of milk skin allows for various consumption methods, from direct eating to incorporation in drinks and desserts, contributing to its popularity [67][68]. Group 5: Challenges Ahead - The lack of standardized definitions for "Nai Pi Zi" poses challenges for industry-wide consistency and scalability [76][78]. - High production costs, with approximately 3 kilograms of milk needed to produce 1 kilogram of milk skin, limit widespread adoption [79][80]. - The high-fat content of milk skin may conflict with current health trends, and the reliance on novelty may hinder long-term consumer loyalty [82][83]. Conclusion - The "Nai Pi Zi" phenomenon illustrates the potential for local ingredients to drive market trends, suggesting a replicable model for future product innovations in the food industry [88][89].

Core Insights - The innovative dessert "Milk Skin Candy Hawthorn" has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a trending item across various cities in China, with significant social media engagement and long queues at stores [1][4][6] Group 1: Product Popularity - The product has seen a surge in demand, with related posts on Xiaohongshu reaching hundreds of thousands and Douyin views exceeding 600 million [1] - In Shanghai, the offline price for a single Milk Skin Candy Hawthorn is 48 yuan, while online prices have soared to 99 yuan, indicating a strong market demand despite high prices [6][8] Group 2: Product Differentiation - The Milk Skin Candy Hawthorn features two key upgrades: a layer of milk skin made from fresh milk that enhances flavor and texture, and the introduction of various innovative fillings beyond traditional hawthorn [9][10] - The dessert offers a multi-layered taste experience, combining crispy outer sugar coating, soft and fragrant milk skin, and juicy fruit fillings, appealing to both taste and visual aesthetics [10][11] Group 3: Market Expansion - The success of Milk Skin Candy Hawthorn has prompted tea and bakery brands to explore "Milk Skin +" product lines, integrating milk skin into various offerings, such as drinks and baked goods [12][18] - New products like milk skin-infused teas and cakes have emerged, demonstrating the versatility and market appeal of milk skin across different food categories [20][21] Group 4: Industry Challenges - The lack of standardization in defining "milk skin" poses a challenge for the industry, as different brands interpret and utilize the ingredient in various ways [40] - High production costs and fluctuating raw material prices hinder the widespread adoption of milk skin products, with significant resource loss during production [41] - The high-fat content of milk skin may conflict with current health trends, and the reliance on social media for sales raises concerns about long-term consumer loyalty [42][43] Group 5: Future Outlook - The milk skin phenomenon illustrates the potential for local specialty ingredients to create market excitement, suggesting a replicable model for future food innovations [44][45]

Group 1: New Product Launches - Dingdong Maicai launched "Cheese Baked Chestnut Pumpkin" and "Marshmallow Nut Brownie Cake" [2] - Walmart introduced "Savory Creamy Explosive Donut" [2] - FamilyMart released "Pumpkin Chestnut Basque" [2] - Lawson presented "Macaron Autumn Series" [2] - Yonghui launched "Camellia Mountain Spring Toast" [2] Group 2: Seasonal and Themed Products - Red Star Qianjin Bakery introduced "Millefeuille Fruit Tart" [3] - ZAKUZAKU featured "Tiramisu Magic World" [3] - Kama Prince launched "Guava Sweetheart" [3] - Baoshifu Pastry presented "Black Gold Waterfall Chicken Bun" [3] - CitySweet introduced "Dianhong Rose Series" [3] Group 3: Industry Trends and Insights - The rise of supermarket baking and the competition among chain bakeries [144] - The evolution of ciabatta and its impact on traditional baguette [144] - Insights from industry veterans on the baking sector [145] Group 4: Financial Performance - Bright Dairy reported a third-quarter loss of 130 million yuan [130] - Tianrun Dairy experienced its first loss in nearly a decade, with a revenue drop of 3.81% [131] - Peach Li Bread's net profit decreased by 35.05% in the third quarter [132] - Roark Capital is considering selling the U.S. bakery chain Nothing Bundt Cakes for approximately 14 billion yuan [133]