Core Viewpoint - The 10th Guizhou Zunyi International Chili Pepper Expo was held, where Zunyi was awarded the title of "World Quality Chili Pepper Core Production Area" by the World Chili Pepper Alliance, highlighting its significance in the global chili pepper industry [1] Group 1: Industry Overview - Zunyi, known as the "Chili Capital of the World" and "Chili Capital of China," has a chili planting history of over 400 years [1] - The chili planting area in Zunyi remains stable at over 2 million acres annually [1] - In 2024, Zunyi's chili harvesting area is projected to be 1.2638 million acres, with a fresh chili output of 1.5492 million tons [1] Group 2: Economic Impact - As of August 2025, Zunyi has over 40 planting enterprises, more than 120 professional cooperatives, and over 50,000 professional chili farmers [1] - The product range has expanded from traditional chili oil and chili powder to include snacks, compound seasonings, and specialty sauces, with exports to various countries including Russia, the UK, the US, and Spain [1] Group 3: Future Prospects - The Secretary-General of the World Chili Pepper Alliance expressed the desire to deepen cooperation with Zunyi to enhance the international market presence of Zunyi's chili products [1] - The aim is to promote a tighter collaborative network in the global chili pepper industry, facilitating technology exchange and sharing [1]

Core Insights - The brand "Lao Gan Ma" is experiencing a significant trust crisis, attributed to changes in product quality and brand strategy since the founder's retirement in 2014 [2][3][4] - The introduction of new products and a shift in pricing strategy have led to a decline in sales of classic products, causing confusion among long-time customers [3][4] - The brand's image has suffered due to controversial marketing decisions and quality complaints, leading to a significant drop in consumer preference among younger demographics [5][6] Product Quality and Changes - The replacement of traditional chili peppers with cheaper alternatives has resulted in a loss of the original flavor, with over 83% of participants in a taste test able to distinguish between older and newer products [2] - The cost-cutting measures have saved the company nearly 400 million yuan annually but compromised the core taste that consumers associate with the brand [2][3] Brand Strategy and Market Position - The expansion into over twenty new product lines has led to a decline in the sales rate of classic products by 30%, creating pressure on inventory management [3] - The price increase from 7-10 yuan to 15-20 yuan for certain products has alienated consumers, with social media discussions highlighting the perception of "unaffordable" products [3][4] Marketing and Consumer Perception - The brand's shift from a no-advertising policy to spending millions on celebrity endorsements has not resonated with consumers, who continue to demand classic products [4] - Complaints regarding product quality have surged by 470% over five years, indicating a significant decline in consumer trust [4] Consumer Trends and Competitive Landscape - The preference for "Lao Gan Ma" among the 18-35 age group has plummeted from 67% in 2016 to 29% in 2022, reflecting a broader trend of younger consumers gravitating towards new brands [5] - Competitors like Hai Tian and Li Zi Qi are reshaping the market, emphasizing the need for "Lao Gan Ma" to reassess its value proposition and adapt to changing consumer needs [5][6]