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 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].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising prices of baked goods, particularly the corn tart, which has sparked consumer dissatisfaction and highlighted broader industry issues related to pricing and consumer behavior [3][4][16]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies and Consumer Reactions - The corn tart, priced at 48 yuan, has become a symbol of overpriced baked goods, with consumers expressing outrage over the disparity between the low cost of corn and the high retail price of the tart [3][4][10]. - The emergence of the corn tart has led to a surge in consumer interest, with significant social media engagement, including 7 billion views on Douyin and 67.15 million on Xiaohongshu [7][8]. - Many consumers have reported dissatisfaction with the taste and quality of the corn tart, leading to a wave of negative reviews and discussions about its value [10][11]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The article notes a cyclical nature in the popularity of baked goods, with the corn tart currently replacing previous trends like butter rice cakes [6]. - The pricing of baked goods varies significantly among different vendors, with some offering corn tarts for as low as 6 yuan, indicating that high prices are not universal across the market [10][11]. - Consumer behavior is influenced by social media trends, leading to impulsive purchases driven by curiosity and peer pressure, as seen during events like the Guangzhou bread festival [8][10]. Group 3: Industry Insights and Future Outlook - The corn tart phenomenon reflects a broader trend in the baking industry where novelty items can command high prices, but sustainability in the market often requires a return to more reasonable pricing [22]. - Historical examples of once-popular baked goods, such as the "dirty" bread, illustrate that while some items may achieve lasting popularity, many will fade as consumer interest wanes [21][22]. - The article emphasizes that for baked goods to remain in the market long-term, they must balance quality and affordability, moving away from the high-margin strategies that characterize many current trends [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - The rising prices of baked goods, exemplified by the corn tart priced at 48 yuan, have sparked widespread consumer dissatisfaction and highlighted underlying industry issues [3][4][5]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies and Consumer Reactions - The price of corn tarts has become a focal point for consumer frustration, with a significant gap between the cost of raw materials (around 1 yuan per pound of corn) and the retail price of the tarts [3][21]. - The phenomenon of "bread assassins" has emerged, with various baked goods priced exorbitantly, leading to a growing sentiment among consumers that these products are overpriced [4][5]. - Social media platforms have amplified the discussion around the corn tart, with hashtags generating millions of views, indicating a strong consumer interest and reaction [10][11]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The corn tart has quickly become a trending product, replacing previous favorites like butter rice cakes, showcasing the cyclical nature of popular baked goods [7][8]. - Many consumers are driven by a herd mentality, often purchasing products without knowing the price, leading to feelings of regret when they discover the high costs [12][14]. - There is a notable variance in pricing among different vendors, with some offering corn tarts at significantly lower prices (as low as 6 yuan) compared to high-end shops [14][15]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Product Longevity - The corn tart's rise to fame is attributed to its status as a "golden traffic product" in bakeries, with a high search volume and significant sales figures [21]. - The baked goods market is characterized by a mix of transient trends and stable, affordable products, with consumers showing price sensitivity and preferring lower-priced options [24][26]. - Successful baked goods often transition from being trendy to becoming regular offerings, provided they maintain quality and return to reasonable pricing [25][26][27].

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of the corn tart has sparked significant public discourse regarding high prices in the baking industry, highlighting a broader issue of pricing and consumer sentiment towards baked goods [4][5][16]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies and Consumer Reactions - The price of corn tarts ranges from 20 to 48 yuan, with some chain bakeries offering them for as low as 6 to 8 yuan, indicating a significant pricing disparity across different vendors [11][16]. - Consumer dissatisfaction is evident, as many express that the high prices do not correspond to the quality of the product, leading to a wave of negative reviews and social media discussions [10][12]. - The corn tart has become a symbol of the broader issue of inflated prices in the baking industry, with consumers feeling that the cost of basic ingredients like corn is not reflected in the final product price [5][16]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The corn tart has quickly replaced previous baking trends, such as butter rice cakes, indicating a cyclical nature of popular baked goods driven by consumer curiosity and social media influence [7][13]. - Social media platforms have played a crucial role in the rapid rise and fall of baking trends, with the corn tart gaining over 700 million views on Douyin and significant engagement on Xiaohongshu [8][16]. - The consumer behavior of "following the crowd" is prevalent, as many purchase the corn tart due to its popularity, often without prior knowledge of its price [10][12]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics and Future Outlook - The baking industry is characterized by a mix of high-priced trendy items and stable, affordable products, with consumers showing a preference for reasonably priced baked goods [19][21]. - Historical examples of once-popular baked goods, like the "dirty bag," illustrate that while some trendy items may fade, others can transition into staple products if they maintain quality and reasonable pricing [20][21]. - The long-term success of baked goods in the market depends on balancing innovative offerings with consumer expectations for price and quality, suggesting that high-priced items may struggle to maintain relevance over time [22].

Core Viewpoint - The rising price of corn egg tarts has sparked significant consumer dissatisfaction, highlighting broader industry issues related to pricing and consumer perception of value [2][4][27]. Group 1: Price Discrepancies - The purchase price of corn is around 1 yuan per pound, while a corn egg tart can sell for as much as 48 yuan each, illustrating a stark contrast in pricing [2][16]. - Different vendors have varying pricing for corn egg tarts, with some high-end shops charging between 20 to 48 yuan, while chain bakeries like Baoshifu offer them for about 8 yuan each [16][18]. - The cost of materials for a corn egg tart is estimated to be around 5-6 yuan, raising questions about the justification for higher retail prices [18]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The phenomenon of consumers flocking to try corn egg tarts reflects a common trend of following popular food items, often leading to disappointment when the product does not meet expectations [12][15]. - Social media plays a crucial role in driving consumer interest and trends, with the corn egg tart topic generating significant engagement on platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu [11][26]. - The perception of value is critical, as many consumers express dissatisfaction when the taste does not align with the high price they paid [15][27]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The emergence of corn egg tarts as a trending item is part of a cyclical pattern in the baking industry, where new products frequently replace previous favorites [7][32]. - The corn egg tart has become a significant draw for bakeries, with its popularity leading to increased sales and foot traffic [28][40]. - The baking industry is characterized by a mix of high-priced trendy items and stable, affordable products, with consumer sensitivity to price influencing purchasing decisions [33][34]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The corn egg tart's rise in popularity is attributed to its novelty and the marketing strategies employed by bakeries, which often capitalize on social media trends [20][24]. - The sustainability of such trendy products is uncertain, as many do not maintain their popularity over time, leading to a potential return to more stable pricing for everyday baked goods [35][39]. - Successful long-term products in the baking industry often balance quality and affordability, moving away from the high-price trend to meet consumer expectations [40][43].

Core Viewpoint - A new type of bakery factory, characterized by low prices and a wide variety of products, is gaining popularity in lower-tier cities, offering consumers affordable options for baked goods [3][5]. Group 1: Bakery Factory Overview - Bakery factories, also known as "super cake factories," are emerging as a new retail format, offering products at prices like 5.8 yuan for tiramisu and 8.8 yuan for pineapple puffs [3][5]. - The popularity of these factories surged in 2024, with a peak in social media presence due to the entry of new brands [3][5]. - There are two main types of bakery factories: chain stores using a franchise model and direct-sale factories located near production sites [7][8]. Group 2: Business Models - Chain stores often operate under names like "super cake factory" and have expanded rapidly, with brands like Shidou Chuan opening 47 stores since November 2023 [9][10]. - Direct-sale factories, such as those in Shanghai and Jiangsu, originally served as OEMs for major brands and now sell directly to consumers, leveraging their brand partnerships to attract customers [15][16]. Group 3: Product Offerings - Bakery factories offer a rich variety of products, including Western-style baked goods and traditional Chinese pastries, with many items priced at 9.9 yuan [19][20]. - Popular products include both trendy items like "dirty bread" and classic staples such as croissants and Hokkaido toast [24][25]. - Some brands use extremely low-priced items as loss leaders to attract customers, such as 1.99 yuan egg tarts [26][27]. Group 4: Cost Structure - Traditional bakeries have high gross margins (around 60%) but low net margins (about 9%) due to high costs in rent, raw materials, and labor [29]. - Bakery factories reduce costs by eliminating middlemen and selling directly to consumers, which allows them to maintain low prices [37][38]. - The operational model of bakery factories varies, with some using a central factory model while others sell ready-to-eat products directly from the factory [40][41]. Group 5: Quality Concerns - There are concerns regarding the quality and safety of products from super cake factories, with reports of misleading production dates and potential quality issues [43][45]. - The initial consumer interest may not translate into repeat purchases if quality does not meet expectations, which is crucial for the sustainability of these businesses [46][47].