Core Insights - The 8th China International Import Expo is held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, showcasing Metro's commitment as a participant, buyer, and product provider with 130 selected products from 21 countries [1] - Metro's CEO emphasizes the company's confidence in China's economy and consumer power, leveraging its global supply chain and quality control to offer high-quality products to Chinese consumers [1] Group 1: Product Offerings - Metro presents 130 products, with 78 from Europe and 44 private label items, including 60 first-time exhibits and 14 product debuts at the expo [1] - The company focuses on high cost-performance products by adhering to the "best origin principle" and utilizing its global procurement advantages [1] Group 2: Sustainability Initiatives - Metro's booth features a traceability system that records the entire food supply chain, allowing customers to access product histories through traceability codes [2] - Over 4,500 products have been integrated into the traceability system, with nearly 1,000 agricultural and food processing companies trained under Metro's standards [2] - Sustainable packaging concepts are highlighted, including award-winning eco-friendly packaging for products like Prosecco and New Zealand kiwifruit [2] Group 3: Supply Chain Collaboration - As a key buyer, Metro establishes deep cooperation with consulates from Spain, Sweden, and Thailand to introduce quality products like Spanish pork and Swedish dairy into the Chinese market [3] - The company employs a multi-channel approach combining the expo, store sections, and online live streaming to enhance supply-demand matching and sales continuity [3] - Metro reports a significant increase in online traffic by over 50% and overall customer traffic by over 30% this year, reflecting positive growth in the retail sector [3]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of branding in the agricultural sector, highlighting that many high-quality agricultural products struggle in a low-price competition environment due to a lack of brand recognition [1][2][5] - It argues that agricultural modernization requires a focus on rural industrialization and branding as essential pathways to success [1][4] Group 1: Branding Importance - Branding serves as a crucial link between the agricultural foundation and market recognition, acting as a key to unlock market access [2][4] - Products without branding are compared to soulless entities, unable to compete effectively in the market despite their quality [2][5] - Successful brands, such as West Lake Longjing tea and Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, transcend their material value to become cultural symbols and quality promises [2][5] Group 2: Economic and Social Implications - The absence of branding limits economic potential, constraining farmers' income and diminishing the internal motivation for rural revitalization [5][7] - Young generations face challenges of "increased production without increased income," leading to a decline in rural vitality [5][7] - The lack of strong agricultural brands hampers the transition from traditional to modern agriculture, making it difficult to compete globally [5][7] Group 3: Strategic Recommendations - Establishing branding as a core focus in rural industrial revitalization is deemed essential for future development [5][7] - Collaboration among stakeholders is necessary, including government support for favorable policies, standard systems, and market regulation [5][7] - Market participants should emphasize product quality, tell compelling brand stories, and innovate marketing channels to enhance brand value [5][7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in the consumer goods industry from a focus on explosive growth and "hit products" to a more sustainable approach centered on continuous innovation and user value, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer needs and preferences in a saturated market [2][7][80]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The era of new consumption characterized by rapid growth and easy market entry for new brands has ended, leading to a more cautious approach in product development [2][7]. - Brands are now focusing on user value and continuous innovation rather than relying solely on single hit products [10][80]. Group 2: Brand Case Studies - White Elephant has successfully utilized "saturation innovation" in the instant noodle market, launching over 100 new products annually and achieving significant market presence despite a stagnant growth rate of 2%-3% in the industry [12][15]. - "Fruits Ripe" has rapidly gained market share in the sugar-free tea segment, with an 851.07% year-on-year increase, by adopting a multi-category innovation strategy rather than relying on a single product [18][22]. - Wudao has captured 48% of the Greek yogurt market in just four years by focusing on high-quality production and user feedback for product iteration [29][30]. - Lemon Republic achieved over 300 million in sales within three years by deeply understanding consumer preferences and continuously innovating within a niche market [33][36]. Group 3: Innovation Strategies - Brands are encouraged to let users become part of the product development process, ensuring that consumer feedback directly influences product innovation [11][28]. - Continuous innovation should focus on genuine consumer needs and insights, rather than superficial trends [10][28]. - The packaging and marketing strategies should be designed to enhance consumer engagement and facilitate product usage [42][49]. Group 4: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - McDonald's has effectively utilized social media to create "fan moments," enhancing brand engagement and driving sales through relatable content and community interaction [46][49]. - The long-term marketing strategy of Yili during the Chinese New Year has successfully integrated brand messaging with consumer sentiment, resulting in significant sales growth [56][60]. - Light Up has rapidly become a top seller in the beverage category by leveraging extensive online marketing and consumer feedback for product development [63][66]. Group 5: Global Market Strategies - The case of Sunrise Egg Products demonstrates the importance of high standards and local partnerships when entering foreign markets, successfully selling century eggs in the U.S. by addressing cultural barriers and ensuring product quality [70][76].