Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Baima Tea Industry in its long journey towards IPO, highlighting its struggles in the traditional tea market and the impact of changing consumer preferences on its business model [5][6][9]. Group 1: IPO Journey - Baima Tea has been attempting to go public for 12 years, with multiple failed attempts across different stock exchanges, including Shenzhen and Hong Kong [6][8]. - The company has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the fourth time since 2019, indicating a persistent but challenging journey [7][8]. - The cold reception from capital markets towards traditional tea companies is a significant factor in Baima's struggles, as evidenced by the experiences of other companies like China Tea and Tianfu Mingcha [11][12]. Group 2: Company Challenges - Baima Tea faces four major pain points: reliance on OEM production for over 50% of its products, a high percentage of franchise stores (93%), a misalignment with the current consumer trend of downgrading, and a lack of appeal to younger consumers [13][14][15]. - The company's revenue has declined by 4.2% year-on-year, and net profit has dropped significantly by 17.8% as of mid-2025 [13]. - The reliance on franchise stores has led to quality control issues, with complaints about product quality and false advertising [23][32]. Group 3: Market Positioning - Baima Tea's positioning as a high-end brand is increasingly problematic in a market where consumer spending is tightening, particularly among middle-class consumers [37][42]. - The average annual purchase amount of Baima's members has decreased from 2860.4 yuan in 2022 to 2469.6 yuan in 2024, indicating a decline in purchasing power [43]. - The company has attempted to introduce more affordable products but faces stiff competition from brands that better understand consumer preferences [47]. Group 4: Youth Market Engagement - Baima Tea has struggled to connect with younger consumers, who prioritize efficiency, transparency, and experiential consumption [50]. - The company's attempts to innovate and attract younger demographics, such as launching sub-brands and new product lines, have not yielded significant results [51][53]. - To effectively engage with younger consumers, Baima may need to shift from a passive to an active approach in its marketing and product development strategies [55].

Core Viewpoint - Baima Tea, a high-end tea brand known for its Tieguanyin, is struggling to maintain its market position and has faced multiple failed IPO attempts over the past 12 years, raising questions about its viability in the capital market [3][4][6]. Group 1: IPO Journey - Baima Tea has made four attempts to go public since 2019, with its latest application submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after previous failures in various markets [4][5]. - The company has faced significant challenges in the capital market, with traditional tea companies generally receiving a cold reception from investors [6][8]. Group 2: Business Model Challenges - Over 50% of Baima Tea's products are produced through a private label model, raising concerns about the authenticity of its "ancient method" branding [9][15]. - The company relies heavily on franchise stores, which account for 93% of its retail outlets, leading to quality control issues and a slowdown in revenue growth [10][26]. - Baima Tea's revenue declined by 4.2% year-on-year, with net profit dropping by 17.8% as of mid-2025 [10]. Group 3: Market Position and Consumer Trends - The high-end positioning of Baima Tea is becoming problematic in a consumer environment marked by downgrading spending habits, particularly among middle-class consumers [11][48]. - Membership data shows a decline in average annual spending among Baima Tea's customers, indicating weakening purchasing power [49]. Group 4: Competition and Consumer Preferences - Baima Tea's traditional tea offerings are facing stiff competition from new-style tea brands that attract younger consumers, highlighting a disconnect with the target demographic [50][58]. - The company's attempts to innovate and appeal to younger consumers through new sub-brands have not yielded significant results, as these products lack differentiation in a saturated market [60][62]. Group 5: Strategic Recommendations - To regain market traction, Baima Tea should focus on improving franchise management and product quality control, ensuring alignment with brand values [39][38]. - A shift from a passive to an active approach in engaging younger consumers is necessary, moving beyond traditional marketing strategies to embrace innovative and experiential offerings [68].