Group 1 - The core point of the news is that Yakult is restructuring its operations in China, which includes the closure of its first factory in Guangzhou by November 30, 2023, to optimize production and resource management [1] - The Guangzhou factory was the first established by Yakult in the Chinese market, starting operations in June 2002, and has been a significant part of its growth in the region [1] - The restructuring aims to transfer production functions from the Guangzhou factory to the second Guangzhou factory and the Foshan factory, enhancing overall production efficiency [1] Group 2 - In December 2022, Yakult confirmed the closure of its Shanghai factory, which was part of a broader operational reform to improve production efficiency and resource allocation [2] - The daily sales volume of Yakult in China showed a gradual recovery, with a total daily sales of 447.2 million bottles in the first half of 2025, compared to 426.7 million bottles in the same period of 2024 [2] - The Guangzhou factory's production capacity, along with the other two factories, totals 6 million bottles per day, indicating a significant scale of operations in the region [1]

Core Viewpoint - Recently, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. announced a business restructuring in Guangzhou, which includes the closure of its first factory in Guangzhou by November 30. The production functions will be transferred to the second factory in Guangzhou and the Foshan factory to optimize the production system and effectively utilize management resources [1][3]. Group 1: Company Restructuring - The closure of the Guangzhou first factory is part of a strategic plan to enhance competitiveness in the Chinese market and achieve sustainable development [3]. - The Guangzhou first factory, which began operations in June 2002, is the first factory established by Yakult in China [3]. - The average sales volume for Yakult in Guangzhou is projected to be 1.49 million bottles per day for the first quarter of 2025, a significant decrease from 2.82 million bottles per day in 2021, indicating nearly a halving of sales [3]. Group 2: Historical Context - Yakult entered the Chinese market in 2002, starting in Guangzhou under the brand name "Yili Duo," and later began operations in Shanghai under the Yakult name in 2003 [3]. - The company previously closed another factory in Shanghai in December 2024, with production being transferred to other domestic bases to improve efficiency and resource allocation [3]. Group 3: Investment and Operations - Yakult has made direct investments in six enterprises across major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with five currently operational [4]. - The company has established 66 branches, of which 55 are currently operational [4].