Core Insights - The Taiwanese bakery brand 85°C is closing over 40 stores in mainland China due to ongoing low profitability, marking a significant retreat of Taiwanese bakeries from the market [1] - New "baking forces" from Northeast China are emerging, with brands like "Entrance to Heaven" and "Kikimoto" rapidly expanding into various cities [4][6] - The baking industry in China remains highly fragmented, with no dominant brands, allowing for new entrants to find opportunities [1][13] Group 1: Market Dynamics - 85°C's closure of stores in cities like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Nanjing indicates a strategic shift in its operations in mainland China [1] - The exit of Taiwanese and some Korean brands from the market has created space for new players, particularly from Northeast China [1][4] - The baking market in China is characterized by a lack of leading brands, which presents opportunities for regional strong brands to expand [1][13] Group 2: Emerging Brands - "Entrance to Heaven," a popular bakery from Shenyang, has quickly expanded to cities like Xi'an, Qingdao, and Tianjin, with plans for a store in Beijing [4][6] - "Kikimoto," another Northeast brand, has opened 19 stores across various cities, showcasing the growth of regional brands [6] - The rise of these Northeast brands is reshaping the competitive landscape of the baking industry in China [8] Group 3: Regional Insights - Jiangxi has historically dominated the baking sector in China, with a strong production base and a high number of bakeries [9][12] - The success of Jiangxi brands like "Zhan Ji" and "Lvxihai" is attributed to their ability to adapt products to consumer preferences [9][12] - The competition between Jiangxi and Northeast brands raises questions about who will emerge as the leading force in the baking industry [15]

Incident Overview - A consumer in Luoyang, Henan, reported finding a spring in a pastry purchased from Baoshifu, raising concerns about food safety management at the store [1] - The initial compensation offered by the store was 100 yuan, which was later increased to a full refund and an additional 300 yuan after negotiation [1] - The incident sparked widespread discussion on social media regarding the safety protocols in place for food preparation and equipment usage at Baoshifu [1] Company Response - On October 12, Baoshifu acknowledged the incident, attributing it to an employee's operational oversight during the preparation process [3] - The company has initiated a nationwide inspection of its stores to enhance operational standards and food safety management [3] Industry Commentary - Baoshifu, a well-known pastry chain, has built consumer trust through its products, but this incident highlights deficiencies in daily operational management and employee training [4] - Food safety is a critical competitive factor in the pastry industry, with consumer expectations extending beyond taste to include guarantees of "no foreign objects or contamination" [5] - The initial inadequate response to the consumer's complaint reflects a concerning attitude towards consumer rights at some retail locations [5] - The reliance on social media for consumer advocacy indicates a weakness in traditional complaint mechanisms, suggesting that brands may only respond to public pressure rather than addressing issues proactively [5] Safety Management Importance - Ensuring food safety management at every operational level is essential for rebuilding consumer trust and preventing isolated incidents from escalating into broader brand crises [6]

Group 1: Incident Overview - A consumer in Luoyang, Henan, reported finding a spring in a pastry purchased from Baoshifu, raising concerns about food safety management at the store [1][2] - The initial compensation offered by the store was 100 yuan, which was later increased to a full refund and an additional 300 yuan after negotiation [1] Group 2: Company Response - Baoshifu acknowledged the incident as a result of employee negligence during the preparation process and stated that all products are made on-site [2] - The company has initiated a nationwide inspection of its stores to enhance employee training and food safety management [2] Group 3: Industry Commentary - The incident highlights deficiencies in operational management, equipment maintenance, and employee training within Baoshifu, a well-known pastry chain [3] - Food safety is critical in the pastry industry, and consumer expectations include not only taste but also assurance of safety from contaminants [3] - The initial response to the consumer's complaint was perceived as dismissive, indicating a potential neglect of consumer rights at some store locations [3] - The reliance on social media for consumer complaints to gain attention underscores the weaknesses in traditional complaint mechanisms and the need for brands to prioritize daily customer service [3] Group 4: Incident Overview - Theme Park - On October 9, visitors at Universal Beijing Resort experienced a malfunction on the "Jurassic World" ride, leaving them suspended in the rain for nearly half an hour [4][5] - During the incident, seven guests reported discomfort due to exposure to the elements and a burning smell from the equipment [5] Group 5: Company Response - Theme Park - Universal Beijing Resort stated that the ride was halted as a precaution after the control system detected an issue, and staff guided guests to safety [6] - The park expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to visitors [6] Group 6: Industry Commentary - Theme Park - The incident serves as a test of operational management and emergency response systems in large theme parks [7] - While safety protocols are essential, the park must ensure that maintenance standards are not compromised and provide transparent technical explanations following such incidents [7] - The response to the emergency, including inadequate compensation for guests, raises concerns about the park's customer service and crisis management [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution of the new Chinese baking industry over the past decade, highlighting the challenges in creating new "blockbuster" products like the "Meat Floss Little Cake" that once captivated the market. It emphasizes the need for a shift from short-lived trends to sustainable, long-term products that resonate with consumers' memories and experiences [5][38]. Group 1: Historical Context and Market Dynamics - The "Meat Floss Little Cake," developed by Bao Caisheng in 2004, became a nationwide sensation in 2014, marking a significant moment in the Chinese baking industry [3][4]. - This product represented a fusion of Chinese and Western flavors, breaking traditional boundaries and creating a new taste experience that appealed to consumers [6][11]. - The rapid expansion of bakery stores and the maturation of supply chain logistics in 2015 facilitated the widespread distribution of the "Meat Floss Little Cake," which was easy to standardize and replicate [8][9]. Group 2: Evolution of Product Categories - The new Chinese baking industry has undergone a transformation from "blockbuster" products to "evergreen" and "daily" products over the past decade [14]. - The "blockbuster phase" (2016-2018) was characterized by products that gained popularity through novelty and rapid social media sharing, such as salted egg yolk pastries and mochi [15]. - The "evergreen phase" saw products like egg yolk pastries become stable choices for consumers, focusing on long-term repeat purchases rather than short-term spikes in sales [17][20]. - The "daily phase" post-2020 integrated new Chinese baked goods into everyday consumer life, making them standard offerings in bakeries [22][23]. Group 3: Challenges and Market Saturation - The article notes that the market for new Chinese baked goods has become saturated, with the emergence of numerous similar products leading to intense competition and reduced profit margins [31][32]. - The rise of short video platforms has changed consumer behavior, making it difficult for any single product to achieve the same level of widespread attention as the "Meat Floss Little Cake" did in its heyday [26][29]. - Consumers are experiencing "taste fatigue," as the novelty of new flavors diminishes, leading to higher expectations for unique and memorable taste experiences [35][37]. Group 4: Future Directions - The industry must transition from a focus on one-time blockbusters to creating products that foster long-term consumer loyalty and repeat purchases [38]. - Emphasizing "scene economy" will be crucial, integrating baked goods into everyday life scenarios such as breakfast and celebrations to build consumer attachment [39]. - Establishing a "taste memory" rather than relying solely on trendy symbols will be essential for creating enduring products that resonate with consumers [42]. - A shift from "single product logic" to a "systematic logic" that combines product matrices and brand value is necessary for sustainable growth [44]. - Brands must develop self-sustaining cycles that focus on community engagement and long-term reputation rather than short-term viral marketing [45].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the bakery industry, particularly focusing on the failures of several well-known brands and the underlying reasons for their struggles in a competitive market [4][5][9]. Group 1: Brand Failures - Several prominent bakery brands, including Huan Niu Cake House and BreadTalk, have recently closed stores or declared bankruptcy, highlighting a troubling trend in the industry [4][5][7]. - Huan Niu Cake House, founded in 2013, announced its closure in June 2025, with debts to suppliers amounting to 1.11 million USD and unredeemable membership funds [7]. - Tiger Head Bureau, once valued at 2 billion CNY, is undergoing bankruptcy liquidation due to aggressive expansion leading to a cash flow crisis [7]. - Other brands like Panda Not Going and Christine have also faced significant operational challenges, leading to widespread store closures [7][8]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The bakery market is experiencing a downturn due to three main factors: homogenized competition, pressure from retail channels, and the shortening lifecycle of popular products [9][10][12]. - Homogenized competition has made it easy for new entrants to replicate successful products, leading to a saturation of similar offerings in the market [10][11]. - Retail giants like Hema and Costco have begun to dominate the bakery segment, offering a wide range of products that compete directly with traditional bakery brands [12][13]. - The lifecycle of bakery products has decreased significantly, with popular items now only maintaining consumer interest for a month or less, compared to previous years where they lasted for 6-8 months [14][15]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The trend of consumer downgrading has led to a polarization in the bakery market, with high-end brands struggling while budget-friendly options thrive [18][19]. - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing affordability over luxury, as seen with new entrants like Haidilao's bakery brand, which focuses on low-priced offerings [20][21]. - Brands that fail to establish a unique product identity or quality are at risk of losing market share, as consumers gravitate towards more reliable and affordable options [22][23]. Group 4: Future Opportunities - Despite the challenges, there are opportunities for growth in the bakery sector, particularly as the market becomes more accessible and everyday [21]. - Brands that focus on creating long-lasting, high-quality products with clear consumer engagement can still succeed in this evolving landscape [24][25].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Baoshifu, a Chinese bakery brand, from its humble beginnings to becoming a billion-dollar empire, emphasizing the founder's resilience, innovative products, and commitment to quality and food safety [6][30][39]. Group 1: Company Background - Baoshifu's founder, Bao Caisheng, started from a small bakery in Zhengzhou and faced significant challenges, including a debt of 1 million yuan before successfully establishing the brand [6][11][16]. - The brand originated from a small shop of less than 40 square meters near China Media University, which later transformed into a major player in the bakery industry [18][30]. Group 2: Product Innovation - The creation of the "Meat Floss Little Cake" in 2005 marked a turning point for Baoshifu, becoming a bestseller and accounting for nearly half of the store's total sales [19][30]. - Baoshifu maintains a rigorous product development process, introducing five to six new products annually and relying on consumer feedback for product iterations [33][35]. Group 3: Market Expansion - Baoshifu opened its first overseas store in Singapore in May 2023, with plans for further international expansion [41]. - The brand's valuation reached 10 billion yuan after securing A-round financing in 2017, with the number of stores exceeding 100 by 2021 [24][30]. Group 4: Brand Challenges - The brand faced a significant challenge from counterfeit stores, with nearly 3,000 imitation shops appearing across the country at one point [26][30]. - After a lengthy legal battle, Baoshifu successfully defended its trademark against infringement, which was crucial for maintaining its brand integrity [29][30]. Group 5: Business Philosophy - The founder emphasizes a commitment to food safety and quality, with a transparent kitchen design allowing consumers to observe the baking process [33][39]. - Baoshifu's marketing strategy is unique, relying on word-of-mouth rather than traditional advertising, with annual marketing expenses not exceeding 0.1% of revenue [37][39].

Core Viewpoint - The evolution of the baking industry has led to the emergence of numerous internet-famous (viral) products, characterized by extravagant ingredients and marketing strategies that create a sense of urgency among consumers [8][46][72]. Group 1: Historical Development - The baking industry began to gain prominence in mainland China in the 1980s, with simple offerings like honey cakes and small breads from family-run shops [11][12]. - The 1990s saw the rise of chain stores like Holiland, which introduced a wider variety of baked goods, although they lacked the unique appeal of viral products [14][15][16]. - The first notable viral brand, Uncle Che, opened in Shanghai in 2013, popularizing the cheese cake through fresh-baked sales and hunger marketing strategies [18][21]. Group 2: Viral Product Trends - The Garden Bakery's cheese bun became a viral sensation in 2015, driven by social media and celebrity endorsements, leading to a supply shortage and long queues [24][28]. - The "dirty bun" trend followed, characterized by its messy appearance and indulgent ingredients, appealing to consumers' desire for a satisfying experience [32][35]. - The success of Bao Shifu's meat floss cake, which gained popularity without celebrity endorsements, demonstrates the power of grassroots marketing and product innovation [37][39]. Group 3: Current Trends in Baking - The trend of "adding ingredients" has become prevalent, with products like croissants and macarons being filled with various flavors and textures to enhance appeal [46][49][55]. - The emergence of oversized products, such as the "cheese tart," captures consumer attention through visual impact and novelty [56][58]. - The integration of traditional Chinese ingredients into baked goods, such as mochi and purple rice, reflects a fusion of culinary cultures that resonates with modern consumers [60][64][65]. Group 4: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - The visual appeal of baked goods, enhanced by social media, plays a crucial role in attracting consumers, emphasizing the importance of color and presentation [72][73]. - Continuous innovation in ingredients, recipes, and design is essential for brands to differentiate themselves and maintain consumer interest [76][77].

Core Insights - The opening of Yonghui Supermarket's Jiading Baolong store marks the sixth location in Shanghai adopting the "Pang Donglai" model, resulting in a significant increase in customer traffic and sales [1][5][35] - The store experienced a 318% year-on-year increase in customer flow and a 716% increase in sales during the first three days of operation [5][34] - The transformation of traditional supermarkets in Shanghai, such as the Century Lianhua Luban store, has also led to a resurgence in customer interest, indicating a broader trend in the retail sector [34][40] Group 1 - Yonghui's Jiading Baolong store has implemented a product structure that aligns with the "Pang Donglai" model, reducing the number of standard products from over 10,000 to around 8,000, with over 80% of the product structure now reflecting the "Pang Donglai" model [14][35] - The store introduced 67 self-owned brand products from "Pang Donglai," with a total of 8,868 items available after restructuring [11][14] - The bakery and ready-to-eat food sections have become particularly popular, with significant customer engagement observed in these areas [17][31] Group 2 - The store has adopted a limit purchase policy for certain "Pang Donglai" products, requiring customers to show an electronic membership code from the Yonghui app to make purchases [11][13] - The service quality at the Jiading store has been noted as a strong point, with various customer-friendly features implemented, although some staff members are still in training [24][28] - The store's layout has been optimized to enhance customer flow, separating high-traffic areas like the bakery and ready-to-eat food sections to improve shopping experience [14][31] Group 3 - The success of Yonghui's transformation is part of a larger trend in Shanghai's retail landscape, with other stores like Century Lianhua also reporting increased customer traffic following similar renovations [34][40] - The focus on community engagement and tailored services, such as the "潮银俱乐部" (潮银 Club) for the elderly, reflects a strategic shift towards meeting specific consumer needs [40][42] - The overall strategy involves reducing the number of low-efficiency, homogeneous products while enhancing the quality and variety of offerings, aiming to create a more engaging shopping experience [34][40]

Core Viewpoint - The rising popularity and high prices of corn egg tarts have sparked consumer dissatisfaction and highlighted broader industry issues related to pricing and consumer perception [4][5][13]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies and Consumer Reactions - The price of corn egg tarts has reached as high as 48 yuan each, while the cost of corn at the production level is around 1 yuan per pound, leading to public outrage over perceived price gouging [4][5]. - The phenomenon of "bread assassins" has been noted in the baking industry, with high prices for various baked goods causing consumer frustration [5]. - Social media platforms have seen significant engagement with the corn egg tart topic, with 700 million views on Douyin and 67.15 million on Xiaohongshu, indicating a strong consumer interest and reaction [7][8]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Trends - The corn egg tart has replaced previous baking trends, such as butter rice cakes, showcasing the cyclical nature of popular baked goods [7]. - Different pricing strategies exist among various vendors, with some offering corn egg tarts for as low as 8 yuan at chain bakeries, contrasting sharply with the high prices at trendy shops [9]. - The corn egg tart's rise can be attributed to consumer curiosity and the marketing strategies of businesses, which have capitalized on social media trends [11]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Perception - Many consumers exhibit a "follow the crowd" mentality, purchasing corn egg tarts due to social influence rather than personal preference, often leading to disappointment with the product quality [8][9]. - The perception of high prices has led to discussions about the value of ingredients and the actual cost of production, with estimates suggesting that the raw material cost for a corn egg tart is around 5-6 yuan [9][13]. - The debate surrounding the corn egg tart reflects broader concerns about the pricing strategies in the baking industry, where consumer sensitivity to price plays a significant role in purchasing decisions [16]. Group 4: Longevity of Baking Trends - The article discusses the transient nature of trendy baked goods, suggesting that while some may achieve lasting popularity, many will fade as consumer interest shifts [15][16]. - Successful long-term products often balance quality and affordability, moving away from the high prices associated with initial trends [17][18]. - The baking industry ultimately relies on efficient supply chain management and production processes to maintain competitive pricing and product availability [18].

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of the corn tart, priced at 48 yuan, has sparked widespread consumer dissatisfaction regarding high prices in the baking industry, highlighting underlying industry issues rather than just the product itself [1][2]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The corn tart has quickly become a trending product, replacing previous favorites like butter rice cakes, indicating a cyclical nature in the popularity of baked goods [3]. - Many dessert shops are rapidly introducing their own versions of the corn tart, with prices varying significantly, reflecting a trend of following popular items [4]. - The corn tart has gained immense popularity on social media platforms, with 700 million views on Douyin and 67.15 million on Xiaohongshu, showcasing its viral nature [5][6]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers exhibit a tendency to follow trends, often purchasing items without knowing the price beforehand, leading to feelings of regret when faced with high costs [6][9]. - The perception of high prices for corn tarts is contrasted by lower-priced alternatives available from chain bakeries, which can be as low as 6 yuan per tart [9]. - The cost of ingredients for a corn tart is relatively low, estimated at 5-6 yuan, raising questions about the pricing strategies of high-end bakeries [9]. Group 3: Product Origin and Popularity - There are two main theories regarding the origin of the corn tart: one suggests it originated in Korea, while the other attributes it to DIY home bakers who popularized it through social media [11][12]. - The corn tart's rise to fame is closely linked to its role as a marketing tool for bakeries, with tarts being a top search item in the baking category [13]. Group 4: Longevity of Trends - The baking industry frequently sees the rise of trendy products, but many do not last long in consumer preference, with price sensitivity being a key factor in purchasing decisions [15][16]. - Some previously popular items, like the "dirty" bread, have transitioned from trendy to staple products as their prices normalized [16][17]. - Successful long-term products in the baking sector often balance taste and affordability, moving away from the high prices associated with their initial popularity [18].