Core Viewpoint - Orion, a well-known South Korean snack brand, faced controversy regarding its "low-sugar pie" product sold at Sam's Club, leading to its rapid removal from shelves after customer complaints about its sweetness and perceived value [1][2][10]. Group 1: Product Details and Controversy - The "low-sugar pie" was marketed as a channel-exclusive product co-created with Sam's Club, featuring an 80% reduction in sugar and a 30% increase in cocoa content, but still maintained a familiar taste profile [6][9]. - Following customer dissatisfaction, Sam's Club quickly removed the product from sale, and it has not been re-listed on their app as of the latest report [2][10]. - The controversy was exacerbated by previous allegations of "double standards" in ingredient sourcing, where different formulations were used in South Korea and China, leading to consumer distrust [8][10]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Market Strategy - In Q1 2023, Orion reported a 7.1% year-on-year increase in sales to 801.8 billion KRW, with the Chinese market contributing 40% of total revenue, showing stronger growth compared to the South Korean market [9][10]. - The sales of the "pie" product accounted for 27.5% of revenue in China, with a 4.9% increase, while other snack categories showed higher growth rates [9]. - Orion plans to focus on rapidly growing channels like discount retail stores and expand its product offerings to enhance market presence [10][11]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Challenges - The company faces challenges in re-entering Sam's Club due to the recent controversy and the need to restore consumer trust, especially after the "double standards" incident [10][11]. - Industry experts suggest that Orion must establish a differentiated product strategy and improve quality control to regain credibility among consumers [11].