Core Viewpoint - The public dispute between Luo Yonghao and Jia Guolong has ignited a significant controversy surrounding the concept of "pre-prepared dishes," leading to a crisis for the restaurant chain Xibei [1][2][3] Group 1: Crisis Development - The conflict escalated due to Jia Guolong's firm stance against accusations of using pre-prepared dishes, despite evidence suggesting otherwise, including long shelf-life frozen products [1][4] - Xibei's daily revenue reportedly dropped by 1 million yuan over two consecutive days due to the backlash, marking one of the company's most significant external crises [6][7] Group 2: Public Perception and Market Trends - The definition of pre-prepared dishes varies between industry standards and public perception, leading to confusion and mistrust among consumers [3][7] - The pre-prepared dish market is maturing, with many restaurant chains, including Xibei, relying heavily on pre-prepared items, which has become a common practice in the industry [8][9] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other restaurant brands, such as Laoxiangji, have adopted transparency in their operations by clearly labeling dish preparation methods, which has been positively received by consumers [11][12] - Xibei's pricing strategy has been criticized, as consumers feel they are being charged excessively for pre-prepared dishes, contrasting with competitors like Sally's, which offers more affordable options [13][14] Group 4: Future Outlook - Xibei aims to achieve a revenue target of 100 billion yuan by 2030 and plans to go public between 2026 and 2027, but the current controversy may hinder these ambitions [17][18] - The ongoing disconnect between Xibei's management and consumer expectations regarding food transparency remains a significant challenge for the brand [18]

Group 1 - The core product, escargot, is gaining popularity in China, especially in high-end restaurants and hotels, with most of it sourced from Jiaxing, Zhejiang [1][6] - Jiaxing's Nanhu District is known as the "hometown of snails," producing over 70% of China's snail market since the start of farming in 1987 [1][4] - The local farming practices have evolved from extensive farming to a more sophisticated model, incorporating ecological methods and deep processing [3][4] Group 2 - The snail farming season peaks from June to September, with local farmers utilizing ecological greenhouses and sustainable practices [3][4] - Advanced farming techniques include climate control in indoor facilities, allowing year-round breeding and a comfortable working environment for farmers [4] - Over 500 local households are involved in snail farming, with an average annual income increase of over 70,000 RMB per household [4] Group 3 - The region is developing a comprehensive industrial chain that integrates farming, processing, and tourism, with a modern snail industry park under construction [4][6] - The processed snail products have seen a significant increase in value through various stages of cleaning, cooking, and packaging, ensuring quality control [4] - New product offerings include a variety of snail dishes that cater to the evolving tastes of Chinese consumers, supported by online sales and live-streaming marketing [6]

Core Insights - The article highlights the emergence of the snail farming industry in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, which has become a significant player in the Chinese western cuisine market, with local snails being praised for their quality and taste [1][6]. Industry Overview - Jiaxing's Nanhu District is recognized as the "Hometown of Snails," producing over 70% of China's snail market since the start of farming in 1987 [1][4]. - The snail farming industry has evolved from extensive farming to a more sophisticated and integrated approach, combining breeding, processing, and tourism [4][6]. Farming Practices - The farming practices in Nanhu include eco-friendly methods, where snails are raised in a controlled environment with natural feed, such as water spinach, ensuring zero pollution [3][4]. - Advanced facilities, including air-conditioned indoor farming units, allow for year-round breeding and a comfortable working environment for farmers [4][6]. Economic Impact - Over 500 local farmers have benefited from snail farming, with an average annual income increase of over 70,000 RMB per household [4]. - The industry has extended its reach through training and cooperative models, impacting regions beyond Zhejiang, such as Anhui and Hebei [4][6]. Product Development - The product range has diversified to include various snail dishes, such as snail fried rice, canned snails, and ready-to-cook snail packages, appealing to both domestic and international markets [6][7]. - Innovative marketing strategies, including online sales and live-streaming promotions, have helped popularize snail products among Chinese consumers [6].