CBC(SH:600132)2025-12-22 15:47Summary of Chongqing Beer Conference Call Industry Overview - The beer industry is experiencing a stable performance in 2025, but the on-premise channel remains weak, particularly in dining and entertainment sectors. Companies are actively developing off-premise channels and collaborating with instant retail partners. New product categories and packaging, such as tea beer and one-liter cans, are emerging. The cost of raw materials is contributing positively to gross margins, while sales expenses remain stable. A cautious outlook for 2026 is anticipated unless significant stimulus policies are introduced [2][3][4]. Company Strategies and Developments Chongqing Beer - Chongqing Beer is focusing on developing off-premise channels, including O2O and instant retail, and has launched customized craft beers in collaboration with platforms like JD.com and Weima. The company is increasing its investment in one-liter canned products and innovating new categories and packaging under multiple brands to counteract the weakness in on-premise channels [2][3][4]. - The company is committed to a premiumization strategy, continuously launching craft series, high-end one-liter products, and unpasteurized beers. Collaborations with online platforms and instant retailers, along with promotional activities, are aimed at enhancing brand image and market competitiveness [2][4][6]. - The company’s urban strategy focuses on deepening existing channels rather than expanding the number of channels, aiming to increase market share within current channels [4][14]. Uusu Brand - The Uusu brand has been significantly impacted by its reliance on the dining channel, but the company has taken measures to revitalize it through brand ambassadors, image adjustments, and product innovations. The brand has seen a positive sales trend, with a diverse product matrix including various beer types [2][5]. - Uusu is expanding its off-premise channels and has achieved double-digit growth in canned products, compensating for some losses in on-premise sales. The brand will continue to focus on product, brand, channel innovation, and supply chain management [5]. Jing A Brand - Jing A, a craft beer brand under Chongqing Beer, is expanding its product matrix and brand influence through offline craft bars and online sales channels. The brand has introduced new packaging and flavors, although overall sales remain modest [10][11]. Market Trends - The premiumization trend in the beer industry is expected to continue into 2025, particularly in the price range above 8 RMB, which has shown resilience. Brands like Carlsberg have achieved double-digit growth in this segment. The mid-range beer segment faces uncertainty due to policy impacts, making predictions for 2026 challenging [8][9]. - The company’s canning rate reached approximately 29% in the first three quarters of 2025, an increase of 2-3 percentage points year-on-year. However, aluminum can prices are expected to rise slightly in 2026 [15]. Financial Outlook - The dividend policy is expected to maintain a high payout ratio. Despite a long holiday period in October, the dining and entertainment sectors have not shown significant improvement, remaining weak since 2023 [19]. Additional Insights - The company is exploring the beverage sector with initial products like the Tianshan Fresh Fruit Garden series, focusing on taste and channel innovation [13]. - The introduction of low-alcohol white spirits by some companies has not significantly impacted the beer market, as beer remains a widely consumed product with diverse sales channels [16]. - Chongqing Beer is embracing new retail channels and aims to develop customized products and activities to enhance market presence [17]. This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategies, market trends, and financial outlook.