刘朝富摄（人民视觉） 云南省楚雄彝族自治州南华县近年来以"野生菌+"效应打造消费热点，赋能产业发展。图为在南华县野 生菌交易中心，商家在摆放野生菌。 梁志强摄（人民视觉） 刚刚过去的夏季，也是"吃菌子"的季节，从金针菇小零食到"炒一切"的杏鲍菇，再到各类食用菌药 膳……中国各地食客不断吃出新花样。 今年中央一号文件提出"推动食用菌产业提质增效"。最新数据显示，中国已成为全球最大食用菌生产国 与消费国，产量连续多年占全球70%以上。如今，在餐饮和零售等消费场景下，"菌子"开发出了哪些新 吃法？中国靠什么占据全球食用菌七成市场？ 食客热情高，吃法更多样 中国多数居民生活在季风气候区。雨热同期的气候特点，为食用菌的生长提供了有利条件，也使每年夏 季成为备受食客期待的"菌子季"。 近年来，贵州省黔西南布依族苗族自治州安龙县积极发展食用菌产业，建立食用菌菌种研发、菌种培 育、菌棒生产销售等完整产业链，带动周边农户家门口增收。图为近日，安龙县一家食用菌生产企业的 员工在采收香菇。 今年"菌子季"，有啥不一样？ 食客热情高，菌子卖得更好了—— 看国内市场，河南、福建、黑龙江、河北都是食用菌产销大省，云南则在野生食用菌方面领 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Zhongjing Food, particularly in its main business segments of seasoning foods and seasoning ingredients, highlighting a decline in revenue and market share due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences [4][5][6]. Group 1: Business Performance - Zhongjing Food reported a revenue of 524 million yuan and a net profit of 101 million yuan for the first half of the year, representing a year-on-year decline of 2.50% and a slight increase of 0.29% respectively [5]. - The company's two main business segments, seasoning foods and seasoning ingredients, generated revenues of 310 million yuan and 212 million yuan, showing declines of 2.31% and 1.31% year-on-year [6]. - The gross profit margin for the period was 45.04%, an increase of 1.28 percentage points compared to the previous year [5]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The seasoning market is becoming increasingly competitive, with many imitators entering the market, particularly affecting the sales of Zhongjing's Shanghai scallion oil [4][9]. - The company has faced pressure from rising raw material costs, particularly for mushroom stems and soybean oil, which has impacted profit margins [15]. - Despite efforts to expand channels and product offerings, both online and offline sales have not shown growth, with direct sales revenue declining by 2.90% [10][11]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments - In response to declining performance, the company has launched new products, including garlic sauce and zero-fat chili sauce, to meet consumer demand for convenient cooking options [18]. - Zhongjing Food has decided to divest its blueberry business, which has been a financial burden due to continuous losses, and is focusing on optimizing asset allocation [19][21]. - The company is also exploring new growth avenues through the development of health products, such as the "Zhongjing Vitality Ginseng," leveraging its expertise in traditional Chinese medicine [22].

Core Insights - The company reported its first revenue decline since going public, with a revenue of 524 million yuan in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 2.5% [1] - The core seasoning food segment generated 310 million yuan, down 2.31% year-on-year, while the seasoning ingredient segment saw a revenue of 212 million yuan, down 1.31% but with a gross margin increase of 5.19 percentage points to 49.19% [1] - The e-commerce channel, particularly on platforms like Tmall and JD.com, experienced a significant sales drop of 10.69%, indicating challenges in online traffic acquisition and conversion efficiency [1] Business Challenges - The company's performance is primarily affected by its reliance on a few major products and intensified market competition [2] - The shiitake mushroom sauce, a key product, has seen a slowdown in growth due to brand influence issues and regional taste differences [2] - The Shanghai scallion oil product faced market challenges from low-priced infringing products and increased competition, leading to a decline in revenue despite maintaining category leadership [2] Strategic Adjustments - The company is initiating a multi-faceted strategic adjustment, including the sale of assets valued at 55.01 million yuan to refocus on core business [3] - New product promotion is centered around "flavor + health," with items like garlic sauce and zero-fat spicy sauce being highlighted [3] - The company is also venturing into the health sector with the development of ready-to-eat health products, leveraging its traditional Chinese medicine background for market promotion [3]

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 520 million yuan for the first half of 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 2.5%, with a net profit attributable to shareholders of 100 million yuan, an increase of 0.3% year-on-year [1] - The decline in revenue was primarily driven by lower prices in the seasoning ingredient business due to decreased raw material costs, despite volume growth [2] - The company improved its gross margin to 45.0% in the first half of 2025, up 1.3 percentage points year-on-year, with significant improvements in the seasoning ingredient business [3] Revenue Breakdown - Seasoning ingredient business generated 210 million yuan in revenue for the first half of 2025, down 1.3% year-on-year, with volume growth of 4.5% but a price decline of 5.5% [2] - Seasoning food business achieved 310 million yuan in revenue for the first half of 2025, a decrease of 2.3% year-on-year, with a volume decline of 3.4% and a price increase of 1.2% [2] - E-commerce channel revenue fell by 10.7% year-on-year, while offline channel revenue increased by 2.7%, with offline channels now accounting for 66% of seasoning food revenue [2] Profitability Analysis - The company’s gross margin for the first half of 2025 was 45.0%, with the seasoning food and seasoning ingredient businesses achieving gross margins of 41.7% and 49.2%, respectively [3] - The improvement in gross margin for the seasoning ingredient business was attributed to a significant reduction in raw material costs, with prices for key ingredients dropping substantially [3] Expense Management - The company reduced its sales expenses by 34.5% year-on-year, leading to an overall improvement in net profit margins for the first half of 2025 [4] - The sales expense ratio showed significant improvement, while management and R&D expenses saw slight increases [4] - For the second quarter of 2025, the company reported a net profit margin increase of 2.3 percentage points year-on-year [4] Future Projections - The company is projected to achieve revenues of 1.08 billion yuan, 1.14 billion yuan, and 1.19 billion yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with expected net profits of 190 million yuan for each of the years [4]

Group 1: Historical Significance - The region of Yan'an, particularly the South Muddy Bay, played a crucial role as a political and military center during the Chinese resistance against Japanese invasion from 1935 to 1948 [1][2] - The spirit of self-reliance and hard work, exemplified by the soldiers of the 359th Brigade who transformed the area, continues to influence the local culture and development [2][3] Group 2: Economic Development - The South Muddy Bay has seen significant economic transformation, with the average per capita income of Ma Fang Village exceeding 23,000 yuan last year, showcasing a shift from poverty to prosperity [2] - The local economy is diversifying with the establishment of a pre-prepared food industry, organic vegetable greenhouses, and a booming tourism sector, including 140 million visitors expected in 2024 [2][4] - The apple industry in the region has become a pillar of rural revitalization, with a projected comprehensive output value of 55.1 billion yuan in 2024, contributing significantly to local farmers' income [5][6] Group 3: Tourism and Cultural Heritage - Yan'an has developed into a red tourism hub, attracting millions of visitors annually, with cumulative tourist numbers reaching 150 million over the past five years and generating over 100 billion yuan in revenue [4] - Cultural performances, such as the immersive show "Thirteen Years in Yan'an," have become popular, drawing nearly 150,000 visitors since its launch in 2023 [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The company is attempting to enter the health food market with its newly developed product "Zhongjing Yuanqi Ginseng" as its growth in mushroom sauce sales slows down [1][5]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Product Development - Zhongjing Foods has announced the development of its first ready-to-eat health product, "Zhongjing Yuanqi Ginseng," aiming to leverage its brand advantage in the health food sector [1][2]. - The company emphasizes a product philosophy of "good ingredients, good taste," focusing on high-quality raw materials and modern extraction techniques to enhance consumer trust [1][3]. - The company plans to expand into health products that integrate food and medicine, exploring sustainable development paths [1][5]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Challenges - Zhongjing Foods has experienced a slowdown in revenue growth, with revenue increasing from 994 million yuan in 2023 to 1.098 billion yuan in 2024, a decline in growth rate from 12.77% to 10.4% [3][4]. - The net profit growth has sharply decreased from 36.72% in 2023 to just 1.81% in 2024, indicating a significant pressure on profitability [3][4]. - The company's gross margin for its main business has declined from 41.62% in 2023 to 39.19% in 2024, while sales expenses surged to 180 million yuan, a 21.02% increase [4][5]. Group 3: Market Context and Future Outlook - The health food market in China is projected to reach 1.2 trillion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15% [5]. - Despite the promising market size, industry experts believe that Zhongjing Foods is currently facing challenges in growth and profitability, making it difficult for the new health product strategy to yield immediate results [5].

Core Viewpoint - Zhongjing Food is attempting to enter the health food market with its newly developed product "Zhongjing Yuanqi Ginseng" as its growth in mushroom sauce sales slows down [1][2] Group 1: Company Overview - Zhongjing Food's major shareholder is Henan Wanxi Holdings Co., Ltd., which holds 37.44% of the shares, and is controlled by the "Wanxi" family [2] - The company has maintained continuous revenue growth in the mushroom sauce category for 11 years, but is now facing a slowdown in performance [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - In 2023 and 2024, Zhongjing Food achieved revenues of 994 million and 1.098 billion respectively, with growth rates declining from 12.77% to 10.4% [3] - The net profit for 2024 was 175 million, showing a significant drop in growth rate from 36.72% to 1.81% [3] - In Q1 2025, the company reported revenues of 280 million, a year-on-year increase of only 1.1%, while net profit decreased by 4.8% to 48 million [3] Group 3: Cost and Margin Challenges - The gross margin for Zhongjing Food's main business dropped from 41.62% in 2023 to 39.19% in 2024 [4] - Sales expenses surged to 180 million in 2024, a 21.02% increase, with marketing costs rising by 40.45% to 75.58 million [4] Group 4: Market Strategy and Future Outlook - Zhongjing Food is shifting its focus to the health food sector, aiming to leverage its brand advantages and explore new growth paths [1][5] - The health food market in China is projected to reach 1.2 trillion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15% [5] - Despite the potential in the health food sector, the company is currently struggling with traditional business growth and profitability challenges [5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" investment rating for the company [7] Core Views - The company demonstrates steady revenue growth and adheres to a major product strategy, focusing on key items like mushroom sauce and Shanghai scallion oil to expand its customer base [6][5] - The company is also exploring new growth avenues by developing health-oriented products, such as the medicinal food product "Zhongjing Yuanqi Ginseng," which is being promoted through e-commerce and chain pharmacies [6] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, the company reported total revenue of 277 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 48 million yuan, a decrease of 5% [4] - The gross margin improved by 1 percentage point to 45.91% due to a decline in raw material costs, while the net profit margin decreased by 1 percentage point to 17.49% due to increased sales and management expenses [5] Profit Forecast - The company is expected to maintain steady growth, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of 1.30, 1.43, and 1.59 yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, corresponding to price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 23, 21, and 19 [7] - Revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 are 1,183 million, 1,283 million, and 1,395 million yuan, with growth rates of 7.7%, 8.5%, and 8.7% respectively [10]

Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The conference call discusses the annual report of Zhongjing Food, which has shown growth despite challenges in the financial sector. The company reported a revenue of 1.098 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.4%, and a net profit of 175 million yuan, up 1.81% from the previous year [2][4]. Key Products and Performance - Zhongjing Food focuses on three major product lines: mushroom sauce, Shanghai scallion oil, and spice extracts, which together account for 66% of the company's main business revenue [4][2]. - The mushroom sauce generated approximately 330 million yuan in revenue, while Shanghai scallion oil saw a 35% year-on-year growth, reaching 200 million yuan [4][2]. - The company launched a second-generation mushroom sauce with a 20% reduction in oil and no preservatives, aligning with consumer health trends [3][2]. Sales Channels and Strategies - The company emphasizes a multi-channel sales strategy, focusing on both B2B and B2C markets, with a total sales revenue of 625 million yuan for seasoning products, a 12% increase year-on-year [5][2]. - E-commerce sales grew nearly 30%, contributing 240 million yuan to total revenue, while offline sales strategies include enhancing in-store experiences and promotions [5][6]. - The company plans to continue expanding its e-commerce presence and improve operational capabilities in this channel [6][20]. Brand Development and Marketing - Zhongjing Food has unified its brand visuals and enhanced brand recognition through various marketing strategies, including legal actions against infringement [7][2]. - The company aims to maintain a focus on flavor and health in its marketing and product development strategies [9][36]. Future Outlook and Challenges - The company anticipates a stable growth trajectory, aiming for a revenue increase of around 30% in 2025, with a focus on product innovation and market expansion [30][22]. - Challenges include rising raw material costs, particularly for scallions and mushrooms, which have seen price increases of over 9% year-on-year [15][23]. - The company is also exploring new product lines in the health sector, such as the "Zhongjing Vitality Ginseng," targeting health-conscious consumers [10][29]. Financial Performance and Dividends - Zhongjing Food plans to distribute a cash dividend of 10 yuan per share for the 2024 fiscal year, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [9][2]. - The company has maintained a consistent dividend policy since its IPO, with cumulative dividends amounting to 446 million yuan [9][2]. Industry Insights - The seasoning industry is experiencing increased competition, with a focus on product quality and unique offerings becoming essential for survival [27][28]. - Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier and more transparent products, which will influence future product development strategies [27][36]. Conclusion - Zhongjing Food is positioned for growth through strategic product innovation, multi-channel sales, and a strong focus on brand development. The company is aware of the challenges in the market and is adapting its strategies accordingly to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability [36][37].

Core Viewpoint - The recent release of 50 national food safety standards and 9 amendments by the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation introduces new standards for "expiration date" and "consumption storage period," impacting consumer behavior and food safety awareness [1][6]. Group 1: Understanding Expiration Dates - Expiration dates serve to inform both sellers and consumers about potential quality degradation and safety risks after the specified period [3]. - Most pre-packaged foods are required to display expiration dates, which are determined by manufacturers based on quality testing and industry practices [3]. Group 2: New Standards and Changes - The new standards include the adjustment of the term "expiration date" to "expiration date" for clearer consumer understanding [6]. - The format for marking expiration dates has been standardized to a clear year-month-day sequence, enhancing information visibility [7]. - The new standards encourage the indication of a "consumption storage period," allowing consumers to safely consume products beyond the expiration date if stored correctly [7]. Group 3: Common Misconceptions about Expiration Dates - Not all foods require an expiration date; some items like alcohol, salt, and sugar can be stored indefinitely due to their natural preservative properties [8][10]. - The length of an expiration date does not necessarily correlate with the amount of preservatives; it is influenced by the food's characteristics and storage conditions [10]. - Many manufacturers set expiration dates with a safety margin, meaning that products may still be safe to consume after the date if there are no signs of spoilage [13]. - Safety is not guaranteed simply by being within the expiration date; proper storage conditions must also be observed to prevent premature spoilage [14][15].