Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of expensive bread in China, highlighting how it has transformed from a street food to a luxury item, with consumers expressing shock at the high prices of certain bakery products [5][21]. Price Trends - The price of bread has significantly increased, with items like black mountain toast priced at 128 yuan and strawberry cream tarts at 39 yuan, leading to consumer complaints about the cost [3][5]. - A survey indicated that 70% of respondents were only willing to pay under 10 yuan for bread, while less than 10% could accept prices above 20 yuan [5][6]. Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are increasingly drawn to high-priced bread, which is positioned between everyday items and luxury goods, satisfying a "light luxury" desire without being overly burdensome [15][21]. - The social aspect of purchasing these expensive breads is emphasized, as they serve as a form of social currency, with consumers buying them for sharing on social media [16][19]. Marketing Strategies - Brands employ scarcity tactics, such as limited purchases and exclusive releases, to create a sense of urgency and desirability among consumers [16][19]. - The use of social media for marketing is prevalent, with brands generating buzz before opening new locations, leading to long queues and heightened consumer interest [19][21]. Brand Positioning - Many high-end bread brands utilize foreign language names and cultural references to create a perception of sophistication and exclusivity [10][11]. - The design and ambiance of these bakeries are also crucial, with a focus on aesthetics that appeal to consumers' desire for a luxurious experience [10][11]. Challenges Ahead - The high operational costs associated with maintaining a premium brand image pose significant challenges for these bakeries, particularly in terms of rent and labor costs [21][22]. - The industry faces issues of product homogeneity and low technical barriers, making it difficult for brands to maintain a competitive edge [21][22]. - Consumer habits in China differ from those in Western countries, with bread not being a staple food, leading to lower repeat purchase rates for high-priced items [22][23]. Future Outlook - The sustainability of the expensive bread trend is uncertain, as brands must address challenges related to cost management, product innovation, and consumer behavior to avoid becoming a fleeting trend [25].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of expensive bread in China, highlighting how it has transformed from a common food item to a luxury product, with consumers expressing shock at the high prices [1][3][17]. Group 1: Price Trends - The price of bread has significantly increased, with some items starting at 50 yuan, and average spending at premium bakeries reaching around 60 yuan per person [2][3][12]. - A survey indicated that 70% of respondents were only willing to pay under 10 yuan for bread, showing a disconnect between consumer expectations and current market prices [1][2]. Group 2: Branding and Marketing Strategies - Premium bread brands utilize creative naming and branding strategies to create a sense of luxury, often incorporating foreign language elements and cultural symbols [6][7]. - The design and ambiance of these bakeries are also tailored to enhance the consumer experience, with a focus on aesthetics and social media appeal [8][9]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The phenomenon of "hunger marketing" is prevalent, where limited availability and exclusivity drive consumer demand, leading to long queues and even scalping [12][14]. - Social media plays a crucial role in promoting these brands, with consumers often purchasing products for social validation rather than regular consumption [16][19]. Group 4: Challenges Ahead - High operational costs and the challenge of scaling up while maintaining quality pose significant risks for premium bread brands [17][18]. - The industry faces issues of product homogeneity and low consumer repurchase rates, as bread is not a staple food in China compared to Western countries [19][20].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising trend of expensive bread, which has transformed from a street food to a luxury item, with prices significantly increasing over the past two years [3][11] - Consumers express disbelief at the high prices, with many feeling that the cost of bread has become exorbitant, often exceeding the price of a full meal [1][3] Price Trends - Current prices for premium bread start at 50 yuan, with some items like the "Wellington Beef Croissant" priced at 58 yuan and average spending at B&C reaching 59 yuan [3][11] - A survey indicated that 70% of respondents were only willing to pay under 10 yuan for bread, highlighting a disconnect between consumer expectations and current market prices [3][11] Branding and Marketing Strategies - Premium bread brands utilize creative naming and branding strategies to create a sense of luxury, often incorporating foreign language elements and cultural symbols [6][8] - The design and ambiance of these bakeries are also tailored to enhance the consumer experience, with many featuring stylish interiors that encourage social media sharing [7][10] Consumer Behavior - The phenomenon of "hunger marketing" is prevalent, where limited availability and exclusivity drive consumer demand, leading to long queues and high resale values [11][12] - Social media plays a significant role in promoting these brands, with consumers often purchasing bread as a status symbol or for social currency rather than for regular consumption [11][12] Challenges Ahead - High operational costs and the challenge of scaling while maintaining quality pose significant risks for premium bread brands [13][17] - The industry faces issues of product homogeneity and low technical barriers, making it difficult for brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded market [13][14] - Consumer habits in China, where bread is not a staple food, limit the potential for repeat purchases, creating a barrier to long-term success for these premium brands [15][16]