Core Viewpoint - The Chinese ice cream market is increasingly characterized by innovative and multi-layered products, with brands striving to enhance consumer experience through diverse flavors and textures [16][19][60]. Group 1: Product Innovations - New products such as the seven-layer ice cream from Unilever's "可爱多" and the six-layer "巧乐兹" from Yili showcase the trend of adding more layers and ingredients to ice cream [8][9][28]. - The "醇巧筒" from Unilever's "梦龙" features a rich chocolate flavor and a unique cone design, indicating a shift towards more sophisticated offerings [22]. - Domestic brands like 德华 are also capitalizing on this trend, with products that combine various flavors and textures, such as the "烤瓜子雪糕" [27]. Group 2: Consumer Trends - The "心" consumer group, particularly those born between 1995 and 2007, prioritize emotional satisfaction and diverse sensory experiences in their purchases [50][51]. - The demand for rich, multi-layered ice cream has surged, with the flow heart ice cream experiencing a 333% growth in 2022 [52]. - Social media plays a significant role in promoting ice cream products, with visually appealing designs driving consumer interest and repeat purchases [54][57]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The ice cream industry is undergoing significant advancements in production techniques, leading to innovative product designs and flavors [58]. - Increased competition among brands is pushing for higher quality and better value, benefiting consumers through improved product offerings [60]. - The ice cream category is evolving beyond seasonal consumption, becoming a staple in social settings and everyday life, as evidenced by sales during traditionally off-peak seasons [68][69].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent corporate changes at Unilever's ice cream business in China, specifically the transition of ownership from Unilever to Magnum Investment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, and the implications of this shift for the ice cream market in China [1][6]. Group 1: Corporate Changes - Unilever's ice cream business in China has undergone a significant change, with the original shareholders exiting and Magnum Investment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd taking full ownership [1][4]. - Magnum Investment was established on April 11, 2025, with a registered capital of 1.542 billion RMB, focusing on food sales and related services [4][5]. Group 2: Market Strategy and Product Launch - The newly formed Magnum Ice Cream Company launched its first product, "Chun Qiao Cone," priced at 34.9 RMB for a pack of three, targeting major retail channels like Hema and 7-11 [6]. - The marketing strategy includes leveraging global ambassador Jackson Wang for promotional activities, resulting in significant social media engagement with over 100 million views on related topics [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Future Outlook - Unilever's ice cream business has faced challenges, with a reported 0.9% decline in overall revenue to 1.48 billion euros in Q1 2025, despite a 3% increase in underlying sales [13][15]. - The ice cream segment is projected to generate approximately 8.3 billion euros (about 63 billion RMB) in sales for 2024, constituting 13.7% of Unilever's total revenue [14]. - Unilever's CEO emphasized a focus on strong sales-driven growth and aims to restore profit margins to 45% [13].