近日，由中国企业改革与发展研究会与华润啤酒（控股）有限公司联合主办的"ESG 中国·国麦（华润啤酒）行"活动在呼伦贝尔正式启幕。 华润集团副总经理蓝屹在活动中表示，华润啤酒扎根土地，建立标准化种植基地达1.6万余亩，持续优化国麦品质，书写下中国原料酿中国啤酒和啤酒品牌 文化自信、历史自信的精彩一笔。同时实现了从种植到酿造的全产业链融合发展，有力推动了国家乡村振兴战略的实施，实现了经济效益、生态效益和社会 效益的共赢。 当前，ESG已成为央企迈向世界一流的标尺。产业链供应链的自主可控、安全高效已成为大国经济必备的重要特征。中国是全球最大的啤酒市场之一，近 90%的啤麦依赖进口，很大程度上制约了行业发展，在此背景下，"国麦振兴"有着特别的意义。 在当天的活动中，多位领导嘉宾致辞，为项目纵深推进锚定航向，为持续推动产业链韧性提升和ESG理念下的乡村振兴新模式探索凝聚发展智慧。 中国企业改革与发展研究会第一副会长刘明忠指出，中国企业推动ESG在农业与制造业融合领域走深走实，重点要在三方面持续发力：一是强化政策引领， 激活产业链可持续发展动能。二是深化科技赋能，锻造可持续发展核心引擎。三是凝聚协同合力，共筑ESG价值生 ...

Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Hou Xiaohai, the chairman and executive director of China Resources Beer, marks a significant transition for the company, which he has led for over 20 years, during which he played a crucial role in transforming the company into a leading player in the beer industry [1][9]. Company Development - China Resources Beer began its journey in 1993 with the acquisition of Shenyang Brewery and has grown into a beer giant through various strategic acquisitions and branding efforts [2]. - Hou Xiaohai joined the company during its early stages and was instrumental in establishing the Snow Beer brand, which has become a significant part of the company's identity and marketing success [2][4]. - Under his leadership, the company launched the "3+3+3" strategic plan aimed at organizational restructuring, capacity optimization, and brand rejuvenation, which has been pivotal for its growth [4][5]. Financial Performance - During Hou's tenure, the company's revenue increased significantly, with net profit rising from 1.33 billion to 4.76 billion yuan, and net assets growing from under 20 billion to 35.58 billion yuan [6]. - In 2024, the gross margin reached 42.6%, and net cash inflow was 6.93 billion yuan, both marking five-year highs [7]. - The sales of high-end products have shown substantial growth, with a 35% increase in the sales of premium beer and a notable rise in the market share of mid-range and above beers [7]. Strategic Initiatives - The "3+3+3" strategy has yielded positive results, with the first three years focusing on internal reforms, the next three on quality and high-end development, and the final three aimed at surpassing competitors [5][6]. - The company has also ventured into the white liquor market, acquiring stakes in several liquor companies, which aligns with its strategy to diversify and enhance its product offerings [6]. Organizational Culture and Future Outlook - China Resources Beer has cultivated a market-oriented corporate culture, emphasizing strategic alignment, organizational structure, and cultural support for its business objectives [10]. - The company is positioned to continue its growth trajectory, leveraging its established market presence and strategic initiatives to navigate the evolving economic landscape [12][17]. - The upcoming years are expected to be crucial as the company aims to solidify its high-end market position and further develop its white liquor business [7][17].

Core Viewpoint - The beer industry in China is experiencing a decline, with production and consumption trends indicating a challenging market environment. The industry's growth strategies, such as premiumization, are no longer sufficient to drive revenue increases as consumer preferences shift away from beer [5][11][18]. Industry Trends - Beer production among major domestic breweries decreased by 4.9% year-on-year in the first two months of 2025 [6]. - The decline in beer production has been ongoing since 2013, despite revenue growth due to premiumization and price increases by major players [7][8]. - Major breweries have adopted high-end pricing strategies, with products priced above 10 yuan, contributing to revenue growth in previous years [9][10]. Consumer Behavior - The consumption of beer is divided into two categories: off-premise (purchased for home consumption) and on-premise (consumed immediately at venues) [12]. - Approximately 60% of beer consumption in China occurs in on-premise settings, which have been negatively impacted by the closure of many KTVs and bars [13]. - Changing consumer preferences indicate a shift away from beer, with many opting for lower consumption levels and alternative beverages like milk tea [14]. Strategic Responses - In response to declining domestic sales, breweries are exploring globalization, with beer exports increasing by nearly 50% since 2019, reaching 62.1 million liters in 2023 [16]. - Companies are diversifying their product lines, with some breweries venturing into other beverage categories, such as soft drinks and liquor [17].

Core Viewpoint - Budweiser Asia Pacific is reportedly planning to cut approximately 15% of its operating costs, including thousands of layoffs, particularly affecting its Chinese operations, which account for over 80% of its total workforce. Despite the company's denial of these claims, market skepticism remains due to its declining performance in the region [2][3][4]. Group 1: Performance Pressure and Layoff Rumors - Budweiser Asia Pacific's 2024 financial report shows a revenue of $6.246 billion, a decrease of 8.9% year-on-year, with gross profit down 8.86% to $3.147 billion and net profit down 14.79% to $726 million [4]. - In the Chinese market, Budweiser's sales plummeted by 11.8%, with revenue and revenue per hectoliter declining by 13% and 1.4%, respectively, leading to a market share drop of 1.49 percentage points [4][5]. - The company employed over 21,000 staff in 2024, down from approximately 25,000 in 2023, indicating a reduction of about 4,000 employees, or 16% [5]. Group 2: Industry Context and Competitive Landscape - The beer industry is entering a phase of stock competition, making cost control a crucial strategy for companies [8]. - The trend towards premiumization in the domestic beer market has intensified competition, with brands like China Resources Beer and Qingdao Beer accelerating their high-end strategies, posing a direct threat to Budweiser's market share [10][11]. - Emerging craft beer brands are also challenging Budweiser by focusing on differentiation and consumer experience, appealing to younger consumers [12]. Group 3: Leadership Change and Strategic Direction - Following a disappointing financial report, Budweiser Asia Pacific announced a leadership change, with Jan Craps stepping down and Cheng Yanjun taking over as CEO [15][16]. - The new CEO aims to refocus on Budweiser and Harbin Beer brands, leveraging the potential of non-immediate consumption channels in China, where only one-third of stores sell Budweiser products [17]. - The success of this strategic shift will depend on balancing global resources with local market insights, particularly in optimizing supply chains and addressing the challenges of a competitive high-end market [17][19].