Core Viewpoint - The evolution of the baking industry has led to the emergence of numerous internet-famous (viral) products, characterized by extravagant ingredients and marketing strategies that create a sense of urgency among consumers [8][46][72]. Group 1: Historical Development - The baking industry began to gain prominence in mainland China in the 1980s, with simple offerings like honey cakes and small breads from family-run shops [11][12]. - The 1990s saw the rise of chain stores like Holiland, which introduced a wider variety of baked goods, although they lacked the unique appeal of viral products [14][15][16]. - The first notable viral brand, Uncle Che, opened in Shanghai in 2013, popularizing the cheese cake through fresh-baked sales and hunger marketing strategies [18][21]. Group 2: Viral Product Trends - The Garden Bakery's cheese bun became a viral sensation in 2015, driven by social media and celebrity endorsements, leading to a supply shortage and long queues [24][28]. - The "dirty bun" trend followed, characterized by its messy appearance and indulgent ingredients, appealing to consumers' desire for a satisfying experience [32][35]. - The success of Bao Shifu's meat floss cake, which gained popularity without celebrity endorsements, demonstrates the power of grassroots marketing and product innovation [37][39]. Group 3: Current Trends in Baking - The trend of "adding ingredients" has become prevalent, with products like croissants and macarons being filled with various flavors and textures to enhance appeal [46][49][55]. - The emergence of oversized products, such as the "cheese tart," captures consumer attention through visual impact and novelty [56][58]. - The integration of traditional Chinese ingredients into baked goods, such as mochi and purple rice, reflects a fusion of culinary cultures that resonates with modern consumers [60][64][65]. Group 4: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - The visual appeal of baked goods, enhanced by social media, plays a crucial role in attracting consumers, emphasizing the importance of color and presentation [72][73]. - Continuous innovation in ingredients, recipes, and design is essential for brands to differentiate themselves and maintain consumer interest [76][77].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of baked goods in supermarkets, highlighting their increasing sales and popularity as a response to the challenges faced by traditional fresh food categories [3][10][19]. Group 1: Sales Performance of Baked Goods - Sam's Club's Swiss roll became a phenomenon, contributing 8%-10% to monthly sales in some stores, with annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan [6]. - Hema's strawberry box sales approached 200 million yuan during the recent sales season, with four baked goods surpassing 100 million yuan in sales since 2020 [6][10]. - The "big mooncake" from Pang Donglai reportedly exceeded 200 million yuan in annual sales [7]. Group 2: Shift in Supermarket Strategy - Supermarkets are shifting focus from fresh produce to baked goods due to the inability to differentiate in the fresh food market, which has been impacted by e-commerce and community group buying [9][10]. - Dazhonghua's new brands "Runfa Workshop" and "Good Wheat" emphasize fresh and healthy baked goods, with products like potato bread selling out on launch day [11][13]. - The bakery segment has significantly boosted sales for stores like Yonghui, with some locations seeing over 520% year-on-year growth in bakery sales after adjustments [13]. Group 3: Competitive Pricing and Quality - Supermarket baked goods are gaining popularity due to their high cost-performance ratio, with prices significantly lower than specialty bakeries [19][21]. - For example, Sam's cranberry bagels are priced at 23.8 yuan for seven, while Costco's cinnamon raisin bagels are 19.5 yuan for six [19]. - Supermarkets maintain quality by using premium ingredients, such as 100% animal cream and imported New Zealand milk powder, while also employing longer fermentation processes for better flavor [23][24]. Group 4: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - Supermarkets leverage social media platforms like Xiaohongshu to promote new products and engage consumers, creating a buzz around popular items [27][31]. - Special promotions and limited-time offers during holidays further drive consumer interest and foot traffic to stores [29][30]. - The combination of competitive pricing, quality ingredients, and effective marketing strategies has positioned supermarket baked goods as attractive options for consumers [24][27]. Group 5: Industry Trends and Future Outlook - The traditional bakery sector is facing challenges, with notable brands like Christine and Huan Niu Cake House shutting down due to financial difficulties [15][17]. - The market share of traditional bakeries is declining as supermarkets capture a larger portion of the baked goods market, with offline supermarkets accounting for 37.7% of the main consumption channels in 2024 [17]. - The competition in the baking sector is expected to intensify, with supermarkets increasingly focusing on product innovation and consumer trends to differentiate themselves [41].