Core Insights - The Chinese food industry is at a critical juncture for high-quality development, focusing on transitioning from "Made in China" to "Chinese Brands" [1] - A forum held on September 10 discussed the national policy guidance, innovation, and internationalization trends in the food industry, emphasizing the importance of building national brands [1][3] - The report "The Transformation and Expansion Code of the Candy Industry" was released, providing new strategies for the candy sector's transformation [1][3] Policy Guidance - The leisure food sector has seen significant growth, expanding from 784.5 billion yuan in 2020 to 1,009.3 billion yuan by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% [3] - The candy and chocolate segment's market share decreased from 15.2% in 2020 to 14.5% in 2024, although its absolute scale continues to grow [3] - Collaboration between candy companies and cultural IPs has increased, with co-branded products achieving a premium of 40%-60% [3] Heritage and Innovation - The focus on health and digital transformation in the leisure food industry includes innovations in reducing salt, sugar, and oil content [5] - Traditional brands are integrating intangible cultural heritage with modern consumer demands, exemplified by the Ma Dajie brand's low-sugar products [6] - Xu Fu Ji Group invests nearly 200 million yuan annually in R&D, emphasizing collaboration with universities for product innovation [6] International Market Opportunities - Companies face challenges in overseas markets, including regulatory barriers and differing consumer preferences [7] - Xu Fu Ji has achieved consecutive years of doubling overseas market growth, with products available in over 60 countries [7] - Wang Wang Group's "Da Zuo Zhan" gummy candy has successfully penetrated the Japanese market through continuous innovation [7] Globalization and Local Operations - Establishing overseas factories is crucial for localizing operations and expanding into global markets [8] - Companies like COFCO Sugar are increasing imports of sugarcane and exploring international cooperation models [8] Conclusion - Empowering brand value through cultural creativity, enhancing product capabilities via technological innovation, and expanding market reach with an international perspective are key drivers for the Chinese food industry's transition from manufacturing to branding [9]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese food industry is at a critical juncture for high-quality development, transitioning from "Made in China" to "Chinese Brands" is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed [1] Group 1: Policy Guidance and Industry Growth - The leisure food industry in China has seen rapid growth, expanding from 784.5 billion yuan in 2020 to 1,009.3 billion yuan by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% [3] - The candy and chocolate segment, while decreasing in market share from 15.2% in 2020 to 14.5% in 2024, continues to grow in absolute terms [3] - The report released at the forum provides new insights for traditional candy companies, suggesting a combination of food industry and cultural creativity [3] Group 2: Brand Innovation and Market Expansion - The collaboration between candy companies and cultural IPs has deepened, with co-branded products achieving a premium price increase of 40% to 60% [3] - Instant retail has significantly boosted the growth of leisure food categories, with brands like "Hao Xiang Lai" seeing monthly orders reach nearly 2 million within four months of collaboration with Meituan [4] - The partnership between Meituan and Xu Fu Ji has created a phenomenon in marketing, enhancing both brand visibility and sales [4] Group 3: Heritage and Innovation - The transition from "Made in China" to "Chinese Brands" emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and product innovation [5] - The food industry is focusing on health and digital transformation, with innovations in reducing salt, sugar, and oil content while enhancing product health value [5] - Traditional brands like Ma Da Jie are integrating intangible cultural heritage with modern consumer demands, launching low-sugar products to meet health needs [6] Group 4: International Market Opportunities - Chinese brands face challenges in international markets, including regulatory barriers and differing consumer preferences, but companies like Xu Fu Ji have achieved significant overseas growth [7] - The establishment of overseas factories is crucial for localizing operations and penetrating global markets, with companies like COFCO Sugar increasing imports and exploring international cooperation [8] - The trend of empowering brand value through cultural creativity, enhancing product capabilities through technological innovation, and expanding markets with an international perspective is becoming the core driving force for the Chinese food industry [9]

Core Insights - The article highlights the 40-year journey of Ma Dajie Food Group, showcasing its growth from a small family workshop to a renowned national brand, reflecting the resilience of China's private economy under policy support [1][2][4]. Group 1: Company Development - Ma Dajie Food Group celebrated its 40th anniversary with a theme of "Four Decades of Flourishing, Deep Roots and Abundant Leaves," emphasizing its evolution and achievements over the years [1][2]. - The company has transformed from traditional food production to modern food technology, focusing on product quality and safety as core principles [2][4]. - The group has established a comprehensive product range, including over 8,000 individual items across various categories such as candy, baked goods, and health products [5]. Group 2: Innovation and Quality - Innovation has been a key driver for the company, with a history of adapting traditional techniques to modern standards, including the establishment of standardized production lines [4]. - The company holds 6 national invention patents and 20 utility model patents, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and quality control [4]. - Ma Dajie Food Group has actively participated in the formulation of national and industry standards, reinforcing its role as a leader in food safety and quality [4]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans - The company has engaged in strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Guangzhou Microbiology Research Institute and the Palace Museum, highlighting its focus on innovation and cultural integration [3]. - Future plans include expanding into Southeast Asia and North America, aiming to promote "Chinese flavors" globally and share intangible cultural heritage [5]. - The company is committed to maintaining its quality and innovation as it looks forward to the next 40 years, emphasizing a vision of providing not just food, but culturally rich experiences [5].