Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the definition of pre-prepared dishes has highlighted significant shifts in the contemporary dining industry, particularly in the context of rising consumer expectations and transparency demands [1][3]. Group 1: Company Responses - Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong, firmly denied the use of pre-prepared dishes in their restaurants, asserting that all 370+ locations do not serve any pre-prepared items [2]. - Jia Guolong introduced a "Luo Yonghao Menu" showcasing a meal for five costing over 800 yuan, emphasizing the quality of their offerings [2]. - In response to the controversy, Xibei has adopted a transparency strategy by allowing consumers to tour their kitchens starting September 12, 2025 [2]. Group 2: Market Growth and Consumer Trends - The pre-prepared dish market in China reached a scale of 485 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 33.8%, and is projected to exceed 617.3 billion yuan in 2025 [6]. - The primary consumers of pre-prepared dishes are B-end clients, particularly restaurant businesses, which account for over half of the total consumption [6]. - C-end consumers, including busy office workers and young families, are increasingly turning to pre-prepared dishes for convenience, with examples of quick meal solutions becoming commonplace [6]. Group 3: Industry Dynamics - The use of pre-prepared dishes is driven by cost efficiency and operational effectiveness, with many restaurants adopting them to reduce expenses and ensure consistent food quality [7]. - Pre-prepared dishes can enhance the speed of service and reduce reliance on skilled chefs, making them attractive to chain restaurants [7]. - Despite the growth of pre-prepared dishes, the industry faces challenges related to health concerns and potential loss of culinary traditions, as well as the risk of market homogenization [9].

Market Overview - The pre-prepared food market in China reached a scale of 485 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 33.8%, showing an overall upward trend [1] - By 2026, the market size is expected to reach 749 billion yuan due to advancements in technology and supportive policies [1] Regional Distribution - The top 100 pre-prepared food companies exhibit significant regional clustering, with Guangdong leading with 21 companies, followed by Shanghai with 11, and Shandong, Zhejiang, and Hunan each having 9 [1] - Shandong has 9 companies on the list, including 6 publicly listed firms such as Delisi, Huifa Food, and Longda Food [3] Industry Characteristics - The pre-prepared food industry in China shows distinct regional characteristics, with companies leveraging local resource advantages for differentiated development [4] - Guangdong is recognized as an industrial cluster with products like cold chain seafood and traditional Cantonese cuisine, while Zhejiang focuses on convenient, ready-to-eat meals [4] Future Trends - The industry is expected to evolve towards smart, high-end, and international development [6] - The growth rate of the pre-prepared food market is projected to decrease from 33.8% in 2023 to 27.3% in 2024, indicating a shift from quantity expansion to quality selection [6]