Group 1: Types of Biscuits - Common types of biscuits include chewy biscuits, crispy biscuits, fermented biscuits, wafer biscuits, and filled biscuits, each with distinct characteristics based on ingredients and preparation methods [5] - Chewy biscuits have a longer kneading time, more gluten, and less oil, resulting in a chewy texture [5] - Crispy biscuits typically have higher oil and sugar content, leading to a crumbly texture with visible air pockets [5] - Fermented biscuits, like soda biscuits, use yeast to create bubbles, resulting in a crispy texture with a unique aroma [5] - Wafer biscuits consist of thin layers baked with cream filling, producing a light and crunchy bite [5] - Filled biscuits have a richer flavor due to fillings like jam or cream, but consumers should be mindful of their calorie and fat content [5] Group 2: Biscuit Texture and Structure - The crumbliness of some biscuits is primarily due to high oil content, low water content, and a loose structure [6] - The use of butter or shortening in the dough prevents flour from absorbing water, resulting in a more fragile and crispy biscuit [6] - During baking, moisture evaporates, and the starch dries out, contributing to the crispiness similar to dehydrated snacks [6] - The steam generated during baking creates small air pockets, leading to a delicate structure that enhances the crispiness [6] Group 3: Biscuit Storage and Preservation - To maintain crispness, biscuits can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes, which helps expel moisture [7] - Alternatively, biscuits can be lightly toasted in a pan without oil to remove moisture [7] - Proper storage involves sealing biscuits in airtight containers and controlling humidity and temperature, ideally below 25°C and at less than 50% humidity [15] - After opening, biscuits should be consumed quickly or can be frozen to extend shelf life [16] Group 4: Health Considerations - Certain biscuits, such as cookies, filled biscuits, and puff pastries, are more likely to contribute to weight gain due to high sugar and fat content [12] - Cookies can contain over 30% sugar and fat, making their caloric content significantly higher than that of steamed buns [12] - Filled biscuits may have fat content ranging from 20% to 30% due to added syrups and creams [12] - Low GI biscuits are made from whole grains and fibers, which digest slowly and are suitable for individuals managing blood sugar levels [14] - Consumers with specific dietary needs should focus on ingredient labels to choose lower sugar and fat options while controlling portion sizes [18]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of border cities in China's modernization strategy, highlighting the need for economic development and population retention in these areas [1][4][16] - Black River City, a century-old border city, has seen a significant population decline from 1.674 million in 2010 to 1.286 million in 2020, indicating a loss of nearly 400,000 residents over ten years [1][4] - The article discusses the innovative border trade model in Black River, which aims to enhance the income of border residents through mutual market trade [4][6] Group 2 - The mutual market trade allows border residents to engage in trade within a 20-kilometer zone, with specific tax exemptions for transactions under certain limits, promoting local economic activity [4][6][18] - Black River has developed a dual-track model for mutual market trade, combining "on-site processing" and "intra-zone trading," which enhances the value chain and supports local businesses [6][18] - The establishment of professional cooperatives has helped border residents collaborate and strengthen their market presence, addressing previous challenges of fragmented participation [6][7][18] Group 3 - The article highlights the construction of the world's first cross-border cableway, which is expected to improve logistics and trade efficiency between China and Russia [9][10] - The Black River Highway Bridge facilitates year-round trade, significantly increasing the volume of goods transported across the border [11][12] - The mutual market trade has generated a trade volume of 146 million yuan since the implementation of the processing policy in 2020, with participation from nearly 20,000 border residents [8][12] Group 4 - The article points out the need for improved policies and infrastructure to support the growth of mutual market trade, including a comprehensive digital platform for trade processes [13][17] - Challenges such as limited product variety and regulatory restrictions hinder the expansion of mutual market trade, necessitating a more robust management framework [17][18] - The development of processing facilities and the attraction of quality enterprises are crucial for creating a sustainable and competitive mutual market trade environment [18]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the upcoming IPO of the tea brand "Hushang Ayi" on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, highlighting its rapid expansion and market positioning in the competitive new-style tea beverage industry [2][3]. Group 1: Market Positioning and Expansion - Hushang Ayi is strategically focusing on the lower-tier markets in China, claiming a strong market position among mid-priced tea brands [3][4]. - The brand plans to expand its store network from 5,307 at the end of 2022 to 9,176 by the end of 2024, with 99.7% of these stores operated by franchisees [2][6]. - As of the end of 2024, Hushang Ayi will have stores in over 300 cities, with 4,629 located in third-tier cities and below [4][3]. Group 2: Franchise Model and Financial Performance - Hushang Ayi relies heavily on a franchise model, with 99.7% of its stores operated by franchisees, which allows for rapid expansion but poses management challenges [6][7]. - The average single-store GMV decreased from RMB 1.6 million in 2023 to RMB 1.4 million in 2024, while total revenue slightly declined by 1.9% from RMB 3.348 billion to RMB 3.285 billion [6][7]. - Franchise income accounted for 96.5% of total revenue in 2024, indicating a strong reliance on franchisee investments [7]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - The new-style tea beverage market is entering a phase of intensified competition, with brands struggling to differentiate themselves [9]. - Hushang Ayi has introduced multiple brand concepts, including "Hushang Ayi," "Hukafe," and a lighter version targeting lower-tier cities, to capture diverse consumer preferences [5][9]. - Analysts predict that 2025 will mark a critical period for the coffee and tea beverage sectors, with significant challenges ahead, but also potential growth opportunities in supply chain management and overseas expansion [8][9].