Core Viewpoint - Ziyan Food is expanding its international presence with the opening of its first North American store in New York and plans to invest 300 million yuan in a beef processing facility in Nepal, aiming to connect global consumers with high-quality Chinese cuisine [2][3]. Strategic Layout of Upstream Raw Materials - The stability of beef supply is crucial for Ziyan Food, which plans to establish a beef processing project in Nepal to ensure supply chain stability and control procurement costs, potentially exporting tens of thousands of tons of beef to China annually [3][4]. - The project has received support from the Chinese embassy in Nepal, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in enhancing trade [4]. Innovation and Growth Resilience - Ziyan Food reported a net profit of 346 million yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%, demonstrating resilience amid industry challenges [4][5]. - The company focuses on differentiated positioning and enhanced R&D capabilities, particularly in the meal-oriented segment, which has higher entry barriers compared to snack-oriented products [4][5]. - The establishment of a research and innovation center in Lianyungang aims to tailor products to local tastes across various Chinese cities, with successful new products like spicy rabbit legs gaining popularity [4][5]. Overseas Expansion - The opening of the North American store marks a significant step in Ziyan Food's internationalization strategy, following successful store launches in Australia [6][7]. - The choice of developed markets like Australia for expansion is a strategic decision to align with the company's mid-to-high-end positioning and to leverage the mature market systems that reduce uncertainties [6][7]. - The company emphasizes the importance of localizing products to cater to foreign consumer preferences, such as offering boneless options for Western markets [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Ziyan Food reported a contradictory performance for 2024, with a revenue decline of 5.28% to 3.363 billion yuan, while net profit increased by 4.5% to 346 million yuan, highlighting a dual logic of cost control and strategic adjustment amid weak consumer demand [2] Revenue and Profit Analysis - The company's revenue decreased by 5.28% to 3.363 billion yuan, but net profit rose by 4.5% to 346 million yuan, making it one of the few companies in the marinated food sector to achieve profit growth [2] - Fresh product revenue fell by 6.65%, with signature product "Couple's Lung Slice" revenue down by 9.84%, indicating risks associated with over-concentration in regional markets [2] Cost Control and Supply Chain Management - Ziyan Food's profit growth was supported by deep supply chain integration, strategic partnerships with major suppliers like Wens Foodstuffs and New Hope, and the use of futures to hedge against price volatility, resulting in a 0.41 percentage point increase in fresh product gross margin to 22.95% [2] Strategic Transformation and R&D Investment - The company significantly increased R&D expenses by 91.78% in 2024, launching new products like "Little Fat Bucket" and "Spicy Rabbit Legs," but faced a 6.29 percentage point drop in pre-packaged product gross margin [2] - A consumer trust crisis arose in Q4 2024 due to a public relations issue related to bacterial contamination [2] Market Expansion and Challenges - Ziyan Food is attempting to penetrate the young market through a campus channel strategy, having entered 62 universities and planning to add 350 more stores, but experienced a 33.91% quarter-on-quarter revenue drop and a single-quarter loss of 24.89 million yuan [3] - The company's global expansion efforts, including the opening of its first store in Melbourne and a production base in Nepal, have yet to yield significant results, with overseas revenue at only 6.7836 million yuan, accounting for less than 0.2% of total revenue [3] Future Outlook - A warning of a 71.8% decline in Q1 2025 performance casts a shadow over the annual report, as the company faces weak consumer recovery and intensified industry price wars, raising questions about its ability to balance cost control and innovation investment [3]

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai Ziyan Food Co., Ltd. reported a revenue of 3.363 billion yuan and a net profit of 346 million yuan for 2024, showing a year-on-year growth of 4.5%, positioning itself favorably in a slowing restaurant industry [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company achieved a revenue of 3.363 billion yuan and a net profit of 346 million yuan, with a net profit growth of 4.5% year-on-year [1] - The company’s performance is notable given the overall slowdown in the restaurant industry and declining consumer spending in first and new-tier cities [1] Group 2: Product Innovation - Ziyan Food's product performance is driven by R&D innovation, with R&D investment increasing by 91.78% year-on-year [2] - The company launched localized products such as "Little Fat Bucket" and "Spicy Rabbit Legs" to cater to young consumers, ensuring quality control through a comprehensive internal tasting process [2] - Collaborations with retailers like Costco and Sam's Club have expanded the product ecosystem, enhancing market presence [2] Group 3: Supply Chain Management - The company is enhancing its supply chain through automation and the use of IoT, big data, and AI to improve cold chain logistics [3] - Strategic partnerships with suppliers like Charoen Pokphand Group and long-term collaborations with major suppliers ensure quality and cost control of raw materials [3] Group 4: Market Strategy - Ziyan Food is focusing on expanding its brand presence in non-first-tier cities through initiatives like the "Super Development City Plan" and "Campus Special Channel Strategy" [4] - The company plans to open 350 new university stores by 2025, capitalizing on high foot traffic and consumer spending in these locations [4] - Internationally, Ziyan Food is expanding into markets like Melbourne, with plans to enter Sydney and Brisbane, aiming for global growth [4] Group 5: Strategic Focus - The current strategic focus remains on "scale first," with expectations for profitability to be released by 2025 through product differentiation and channel penetration [5] - Long-term, the company aims to balance scale expansion with profitability quality, leveraging R&D innovation and supply chain efficiency as dual engines for sustainable growth [5]