Core Viewpoint - Hema has officially launched its 2026 "New Year Festival," enhancing its store decorations and logistics to meet the holiday demand while introducing innovative AI features to engage consumers [1] Group 1: Event Launch and Preparations - Hema has started its 2026 "New Year Festival," with all stores nationwide adopting festive decorations [1] - To address the peak holiday demand, Hema has increased the frequency of store replenishment to ensure shelves remain stocked and quality is maintained [1] Group 2: Product Offerings and Consumer Engagement - Hema has introduced various AI interactive features, including unique products like pet New Year's dinners and scented candles, catering to diverse consumer expectations for the holiday [1] - The company has launched a local "shopping leaderboard" that displays popular New Year goods in real-time across different cities [1] - Users can create personalized gift cards using AI, generating custom 3D dynamic electronic covers based on products and Hema's IP, which can be sent directly to friends or shared in group chats [1]

Core Viewpoint - The pet food market in China is experiencing significant growth, particularly with the introduction of specialized pet food products like festive rice dumplings, reflecting the increasing humanization of pet care and the demand for unique pet experiences [1][5][7]. Group 1: Market Trends - The pet fresh food market in China is growing at an annual rate of 61.7%, with an expected market size exceeding 427 billion yuan by 2025 [5]. - The overall pet market in China has surpassed 300 billion yuan, with a projected growth rate of 7.5% in 2024 [7]. - The pet food segment remains the largest consumer market, accounting for 52.8% of total pet spending [7]. Group 2: Product Offerings - New pet food products include festive rice dumplings specifically designed for pets, featuring ingredients like salmon, pumpkin, and duck breast [2][3]. - The pet fresh food store "法思纳" has reported daily pre-orders exceeding 1,000 units for their pet rice dumplings, indicating strong consumer interest [3][5]. - Other themed pet food products, such as hamburgers and pizzas, are also being introduced to enhance the festive experience for pet owners [3][4]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - A survey indicates that 76% of pet owners consider their pets as family members and are willing to pay for products that enhance their pets' festive experiences [4]. - Pet owners are increasingly interested in the health and safety of pet food, with many opting to make homemade versions to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness [6]. - The demand for visually appealing pet food products is rising, with consumers more likely to purchase items that are creatively shaped, even if the ingredients are similar to standard offerings [6]. Group 4: Industry Dynamics - Major companies from various sectors, including food and beverage, healthcare, and retail, are entering the pet market, indicating a trend towards diversification and competition [8]. - Despite the rapid growth, the domestic pet industry is still in its early stages compared to international markets, presenting both opportunities and challenges for new entrants [8]. - The industry is undergoing a transformation with a focus on building independent brands and restructuring global supply chains to adapt to domestic market demands [8].