Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how traditional food brands like Shuanghui and TaTa Le are leveraging internet culture and user-generated content to engage with younger consumers through their IP characters, leading to increased brand interaction and marketing opportunities [1][41]. Group 1: Shuanghui's "Top Stream Pig" - Shuanghui's new IP character, referred to as "Top Stream Pig," gained popularity on social media without any prior media presence, solely based on its packaging design [3][7]. - The brand is actively engaging with consumers by inviting them to create derivative content, suggesting names, and developing merchandise like stickers and wallpapers [7][10]. - The character has become a frequent element in Shuanghui's marketing strategy, serving as a hook for interaction with consumers [12]. Group 2: TaTa Le's "Le Le Chicken" - TaTa Le's IP character "Le Le Chicken" has a similar trajectory, gaining traction through user-generated content and brand engagement [13][16]. - The brand has embraced the creativity of its audience, allowing for modifications and enhancements to the character, which has led to a more relatable and engaging persona [13][16]. - Both Shuanghui and TaTa Le are seen as adapting to the younger demographic's preferences, utilizing humor and relatability in their marketing strategies [19][41]. Group 3: Broader Industry Trends - The article highlights a trend among food and beverage brands to utilize IP characters for marketing, with examples including Wangzai and M&M's, which have successfully integrated their characters into social media and consumer interactions [19][28]. - Brands are increasingly using humor and relatability to connect with younger audiences, as seen in the campaigns of companies like Luckin Coffee and Mixue Ice Cream [32][37]. - The success of these strategies indicates a shift in marketing approaches, where brands are not just waiting for trends but actively participating in the cultural conversation [41].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market is experiencing a strong performance in 2025, particularly in the consumer sector, with companies like Mixue Group, Pop Mart, and Laopuhuangjin being highlighted as the "new consumption trio" of Hong Kong, all achieving over 100% stock price growth and market capitalizations exceeding HKD 100 billion [2][3]. Group 1: Company Performance - Mixue Group and Pop Mart, both originating from Henan, have seen significant stock price increases, with Mixue Group reaching a peak of HKD 618 per share and a market cap exceeding HKD 230 billion [8]. - Pop Mart's market capitalization has surged over HKD 1 trillion in recent months, with a remarkable 20-fold increase in stock price since its low in Q4 2022, reflecting a 2300% increase [6]. - Laopuhuangjin, known as the "Hermès of gold," has also performed well, with its stock price reaching HKD 903 per share and a market cap of HKD 155.9 billion, marking a 240% increase within the year [8]. Group 2: Market Trends - The consumer sector in Hong Kong is witnessing a wave of IPO applications, with over 20 consumer companies seeking to list, indicating a vibrant market environment [26]. - As of June 5, 2025, there are 166 companies in the IPO queue for Hong Kong, with a significant portion being consumer-related [26]. - The influx of capital into the Hong Kong market, with net inflows reaching HKD 638.36 billion in 2025, has contributed to the strong performance of consumer stocks [26]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies - New consumer companies are particularly favored by the "Z generation," focusing on emotional value and experiential marketing, which has led to their rapid rise in the market [10]. - Mixue Group's competitive edge lies in its strong supply chain and affordable pricing, with products typically priced between HKD 2 and HKD 8, appealing to cost-conscious consumers [12]. - Pop Mart has successfully tapped into the emotional consumption needs of younger consumers by creating a sense of surprise and rarity with its blind box toys, driving repeat purchases [14]. Group 4: Regional Influence - The emergence of Mixue Group and Pop Mart as significant players in the consumer market is rooted in their origins in Henan, showcasing the province's potential for nurturing innovative business models [16]. - The success of these companies reflects a broader trend in Henan, where a new consumer landscape is being established, characterized by strong market demand and innovative business practices [24].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the dual nature of celebrity endorsements in brand marketing, where they can drive sales but also pose significant risks to brand reputation [1] - The brand endorsement market is expected to grow in 2024, with 1,222 brands announcing endorsements, an 11% increase from the previous year [2] - Top-tier celebrities are commanding endorsement fees exceeding 10 million yuan, equivalent to the annual net profit of many small to medium-sized enterprises [2] Group 2 - The case of the brand Perlayah, which saw a significant increase in exposure and interaction after announcing a partnership with celebrity Yi Yang Qianxi, illustrates the potential for immediate sales impact through celebrity endorsements [2][4] - The gum category has shown a remarkable sales growth rate of 38.89% in 2024, indicating a strong market performance [5] - The top three brands in the gum market, Stride, Green Arrow, and Yida, have increased their market share from 88% in 2023 to 92% in 2024, with each brand's growth rate exceeding 20% [6] Group 3 - The endorsement of the youth group "Times Youth" by Stride led to a 23.6% increase in sales after the announcement, demonstrating the strong influence of celebrity endorsements on consumer purchasing decisions [8] - Stride's market share surged by 8.7 percentage points in April, significantly outperforming a competing brand that saw a decline [10] - The social media engagement from the youth demographic contributed 72% of Stride's brand voice, indicating a successful alignment with the target audience [12] Group 4 - The article discusses the trend of brands utilizing non-human endorsements, such as animals and self-created IPs, to mitigate risks associated with celebrity endorsements [15][30] - The use of virtual digital personas for brand endorsements is on the rise, with examples of successful collaborations with beauty brands [40] - Brands are increasingly adopting multi-dimensional endorsement strategies to diversify risk and maximize brand communication effectiveness [51]