2025-11-12 02:18Summary of the Sichuan Baijiu Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The baijiu consumption peak season is approaching, with demand recovering to normal levels. Daily drinking demand accounts for 66%, while business consumption remains low and government consumption has virtually stagnated [1][3] - Major baijiu brands are experiencing a general price decline, with Moutai at approximately 1,680 RMB, Wuliangye at about 800 RMB, Guojiao 1573 at around 834 RMB, and Qinghualang at about 600 RMB. The rapid downward trend observed earlier in the year has slowed, and prices are stabilizing [1][4] Key Insights - Moutai, Wuliangye, and Guojiao 1573 have reached a phase of low wholesale prices, with limited room for further decline. Manufacturers are preparing for the year-end sales push, which may provide some upward price potential as they gear up for the 2026 Spring Festival sales [1][5] - Wuliangye's Q3 performance saw a decline of over 50%, primarily due to excessive dealer repayments in the first half of the year and rapid price declines, leading to reduced dealer enthusiasm and low inventory levels across brands [1][6] - Inventory levels for major brands are as follows: Moutai's non-standard products have about 1.5 months of inventory, Wuliangye's eighth generation has less than one month, and Guojiao 1573 has around two months of inventory, reflecting the actual market operations [1][7] Future Planning and Market Dynamics - Dealers have begun discussions with manufacturers regarding the 2026 sales plan, awaiting product planning and the results of the 1,218 awards. Stability in demand is a key consideration for planning, making the process cautious [1][8] - The demand structure in the Sichuan baijiu market is categorized into three types: banquet wine, self-drinking, and business wine. The price range for banquet wine has decreased from around 1,000 RMB to about 800 RMB, while self-drinking wine is primarily below 300 RMB [1][9] Consumer Behavior and Price Impact - Following Moutai's price drop to 1,640 RMB, consumer response has been positive, indicating an increase in consumption willingness. However, there has been no new trend of stockpiling [2][14] - The overall decline in baijiu prices has influenced consumer purchasing behavior, with consumers now buying more bottles at lower prices, although total spending has not significantly increased [15] - Non-standard Moutai, previously used for investment and collection, has seen increased demand in gifting scenarios, particularly during festive periods [16] Challenges and Competitive Landscape - Wuliangye faces price pressure due to its own release strategy and dealer control over sales volume. The market is currently experiencing low transaction prices due to various promotional activities [11] - Moutai's recent price drop is attributed to several factors, including management changes, accelerated payment processes, and ongoing declines in non-standard product prices [12][17] - In the Chengdu market, Guojiao 1573 and Wuliangye are priced similarly, with slight shifts in sales proportions, indicating competitive dynamics [18] Market Outlook - Current baijiu demand has shown some recovery, but the extent is limited. Future price trends suggest that prices have likely bottomed out, with a higher probability of increases leading up to the Spring Festival [22]