Group 1 - The overall sentiment in the food and beverage sector improved, but there was significant structural differentiation, with the Shenwan Food and Beverage Index rising by 0.74%, underperforming the CSI 300 Index by 0.95 percentage points, ranking 26th among 31 Shenwan primary industries [1] - Within the sub-sectors, pre-processed foods (+1.97%) and health products (+1.88%) performed well, while the liquor, beer, and mass-market products showed varied trends [1] Group 2 - The liquor sector is supported by favorable infrastructure policies, but public funds reduced their allocation to liquor in Q2 due to a contraction in consumption scenarios [2] - Leading liquor companies are enhancing brand and technological barriers to cope with intensified industry competition, with Guizhou Moutai establishing a research institute for innovation and Shanxi Fenjiu launching an upgraded version of its product to solidify its high-end market position [2] - High-end liquor prices have stabilized and rebounded, with the price of 2024 Feitian Moutai increasing by 10 yuan to 1900 yuan, and the original box price rising to 1960 yuan [2] Group 3 - The beer sector is currently facing short-term demand pressure due to the impact of delivery platform subsidies, leading to a slight year-on-year decline in production [3] - However, inventory reduction is ongoing, with leading companies' channel inventories at historical lows, and the sector's valuation has dropped to a five-year low [3] - Cost benefits are gradually materializing, with a year-on-year decline in imported barley prices, and the industry is expected to see profit elasticity due to product structure upgrades [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Increase" rating for the food and beverage industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector [5]. Core Views - The liquor industry is strengthening its internal capabilities, with companies focusing on management, product, and channel improvements. The industry is currently at a low valuation and is expected to stabilize as sales pressure eases [2]. - In the beer and beverage sector, East Peak Beverage reported impressive mid-year results, while the industry continues to show high growth potential despite intense competition [3]. - The report highlights the ongoing transformation in product selection at Sam's Club, emphasizing operational efficiency through local supply chain adjustments [4]. Summary by Sections Liquor Industry - The liquor sector is in a phase of continuous improvement, with major companies like Guizhou Moutai and Shanxi Fenjiu enhancing their management and product offerings. The industry is currently experiencing a seasonal downturn, but valuations are low, suggesting potential for recovery [2]. Beer and Beverage Sector - The beer segment is advised to focus on high-growth products and structural performance, with companies like Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer being highlighted. East Peak Beverage's revenue for the first half of 2025 reached 10.737 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 36.37% [3]. Food Sector - Sam's Club is undergoing a significant product selection transformation, with a shift towards national best-selling items to improve operational efficiency. The report notes that the low-temperature dairy market is performing better than the ambient temperature segment [4][7].