Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the food and beverage industry, indicating an expectation that the industry index will outperform the market index by more than 10% over the next six months [55]. Core Insights - The report highlights the structural opportunities arising from the EU's anti-subsidy measures on dairy products, which are expected to benefit domestic alternatives such as cheese and cream [50]. - The white liquor sector is experiencing a weak recovery in consumption, with expectations of continued pressure on sales in the fourth quarter and first quarter of the following year, but a potential rebound in the second quarter due to low base effects [50][51]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring inventory levels ahead of the Spring Festival and the operational goals set by various liquor companies for the upcoming year [51]. - The report suggests focusing on high-end liquor brands like Kweichow Moutai (600519) and other regional brands such as Shanxi Fenjiu (600809) and Guojiao Liquor (000596) [51]. - The report notes that approximately 87% of stocks in the food and beverage sector recorded positive returns during the review period, with notable performers including Anji Food (+27.96%) and Huanlejia (+20.94%) [15]. Summary by Sections Market Review - From December 12 to December 25, 2025, the SW food and beverage industry index rose by 1.33%, underperforming the CSI 300 index by approximately 0.66 percentage points [11]. - Most sub-sectors outperformed the CSI 300 index, with the baking sector showing the highest increase of 7.63% [13]. Industry Data Tracking - **Liquor Sector**: The price of Feitian Moutai increased to 1575 RMB/bottle, while Guojiao 1573 decreased to 840 RMB/bottle [21]. - **Condiments Sector**: Prices for soybean meal and white sugar decreased, with soybean prices at 4288.90 RMB/ton [24]. - **Beer Sector**: Aluminum prices increased while glass and corrugated paper prices decreased; barley prices remained stable at 2200.00 RMB/ton [29]. - **Dairy Sector**: Fresh milk prices rose slightly to 3.03 RMB/kg [37]. - **Meat Sector**: The average wholesale price of pork decreased to 17.44 RMB/kg, with a year-on-year decline of 22.04% [39]. Important News - The report discusses the preliminary ruling on anti-subsidy measures for EU dairy imports, which is expected to positively impact domestic dairy producers [44][45]. - It also notes a decline in the production of white liquor and beer in November, with white liquor production down 11.3% year-on-year [43]. Company Announcements - Kweichow Moutai plans to distribute cash dividends amounting to at least 75% of its net profit for the years 2024-2026, alongside a share buyback plan [52]. - Haitian Flavoring plans to maintain a cash dividend payout ratio of no less than 80% of its net profit for the next three years [48].

Core Insights - The white liquor market in 2025 is facing challenges, yet the scattered liquor business is emerging as a lucrative opportunity for major liquor companies [3][15] - The scattered liquor market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a market size of approximately 800 billion yuan in 2024 and likely surpassing 1 trillion yuan in 2025 [13][15] Industry Trends - Major liquor companies are entering the scattered liquor market due to high inventory pressure and price inversion, which has made traditional sales channels less effective [15][18] - The scattered liquor business model has evolved since 2023, with new entrants like Tang San Liang and Zebra Hero targeting younger consumers through modern store designs and experiential consumption [3][12] Company Developments - Gujing Gongjiu opened its first scattered liquor store in December 2025, focusing on community sales and serving as a pilot project [4][5] - Kuaizi Jiu has opened two direct stores in 2025, combining scattered and bottled liquor sales, with prices ranging from 50 to 60 yuan per jin [6] - Anhui Hengjia Gongjiu has entered the scattered liquor market through a franchise model, with prices varying from over 10 yuan to 200 yuan per jin [6] Market Dynamics - The scattered liquor market is characterized by two main types of stores: traditional low-cost outlets and more upscale venues targeting young consumers [3][12] - The market is experiencing a shift from low-quality, low-price offerings to better value products, with an increasing number of young consumers participating [13][19] Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, 20 listed liquor companies reported a decline in revenue and net profit, with a year-on-year decrease of 5.90% and 6.93% respectively [17] - Kuaizi Jiu reported a significant drop in net profit by 43.39% year-on-year, indicating the financial pressures faced by liquor companies [17]

Group 1 - The report indicates that the liquor industry is currently facing supply-demand imbalances, with companies reducing growth expectations and releasing channel pressures. The white liquor index has dropped by 12% since the beginning of 2025, underperforming the CSI 300 index by 33% [1][11] - The report highlights that the overall market demand for white liquor has shown slight recovery, but actual demand remains weak, with mainstream product prices in a downward trend. Companies like Wuliangye and Gujing Gongjiu are reducing growth expectations, leading to significant declines in Q3 performance [1][22] - The report suggests that the white liquor sector is entering a configuration phase, with leading companies like Kweichow Moutai improving their price-volume relationship and showcasing dividend asset attributes, with a projected dividend yield of 4% in 2026 [3][4] Group 2 - Looking ahead to 2026, the report anticipates that supply-side optimization and channel clearing will occur, with a focus on quality company configurations. The industry is expected to see gradual recovery in demand, particularly during the Spring Festival sales period [2][29] - The report notes that channel inventory has decreased since Q3 2025, and companies are focusing on maintaining dynamic profits for distributors. Leading companies are gradually relaxing channel policies, indicating a stabilization trend in product prices post-holiday [2][42] - The competitive landscape is shifting from price differentiation to brand and organizational capabilities, with companies that can establish pricing power in specific regions or demographics likely to emerge from the adjustment cycle first [2][29] Group 3 - Investment recommendations suggest that the white liquor sector is now in a configuration zone, with a focus on brands that can navigate through cycles, such as Kweichow Moutai and Shanxi Fenjiu, which are expected to see valuation improvements as market liquidity increases [3][4] - The report emphasizes the importance of companies that have established advantages in pricing and regional market share during the adjustment phase, such as Luzhou Laojiao, Gujing Gongjiu, and Jinhui Liquor [3][4] - The report also highlights companies with strong shareholder returns and cash flow safety margins, such as Wuliangye, as potential investment opportunities [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - The liquor sector experienced a rise of 1.13% on December 25, with Shui Jing Fang leading the gains, while the Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.47% and the Shenzhen Component Index increased by 0.33% [1] Group 1: Liquor Sector Performance - Shui Jing Fang (600779) closed at 39.80, up 10.01% with a trading volume of 111,100 shares [1] - Other notable performers include Sanlong Jibei (000995) with a 4.37% increase, and Quan Wei Jiu (616809) rising by 3.08% [1] - The total net inflow of funds into the liquor sector was 874 million yuan, while retail investors saw a net outflow of 325 million yuan [1] Group 2: Fund Flow Analysis - Major net inflows were observed in Kweichow Moutai (600519) with 319 million yuan, accounting for 9.67% of the total [2] - Shui Jing Fang (600779) had a net inflow of 154 million yuan, representing 35.78% of its trading volume [2] - The retail investor net outflow for Shui Jing Fang was 93.49 million yuan, indicating a significant withdrawal from this stock [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is experiencing a shift in the zodiac liquor market for the Year of the Horse in 2026, with a notable decrease in enthusiasm compared to previous years, indicating a more rational approach from companies amidst industry adjustments and changing consumer perceptions [5][6]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Major liquor companies, including Wuliangye, Yanghe, and Luzhou Laojiao, have launched zodiac liquor products for the Year of the Horse, but the market appears less vibrant than in previous years [3][4]. - The number of companies participating in the zodiac liquor market is expected to decrease by at least 30% compared to previous years, as the market becomes dominated by leading brands, raising entry barriers [6][9]. - The market is transitioning from a speculative investment focus to a cultural consumption perspective, driven by changing consumer attitudes and a need for differentiation in product offerings [7][8]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly prioritizing taste and gifting scenarios over investment potential, indicating a shift back to the core values of consumption [8][9]. - The demand for unique and culturally rich products is rising, as consumers show signs of fatigue towards homogenized designs and offerings in the zodiac liquor market [9][10]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - The zodiac liquor market faces challenges such as product homogenization, supply-demand imbalances, and the risk of value bubbles, necessitating deeper cultural engagement and innovation from companies [9][10]. - Companies are encouraged to develop strong cultural narratives and product matrices to establish independent value systems and consumer bases, moving away from reliance on leading brands like Moutai and Wuliangye [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The domestic liquor industry is actively launching zodiac-themed products for the upcoming Year of the Horse in 2026, but the market appears less enthusiastic compared to previous years, indicating a shift in consumer sentiment and market dynamics [1][4][6]. Group 1: Market Activity - Major liquor companies such as Wuliangye, Yanghe, and Luzhou Laojiao have already released their zodiac-themed products for 2026, with various pricing strategies and limited editions [3][4]. - Specific product launches include Tianyoude's limited edition of 1,000 bottles, Luzhou Laojiao's offerings priced at 888 yuan, and Wuliangye's zodiac liquor debuting on JD.com [3][4]. Group 2: Market Trends - The zodiac liquor market is experiencing a "cooling down" phase, contrasting sharply with the previous years' frenzy of new product launches and market excitement [4][6]. - A significant reduction in the number of companies participating in the zodiac liquor market is anticipated, with estimates suggesting a decrease of at least 30% compared to previous years [4][5]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The previous investment and collectible appeal of zodiac liquors is diminishing, as consumers are now prioritizing taste and gifting scenarios over speculative value [6][7]. - The shift in consumer demand is pushing the zodiac liquor market to refocus on cultural and emotional values rather than purely investment-driven motives [7][8]. Group 4: Challenges and Opportunities - The zodiac liquor market faces challenges such as product homogenization, supply-demand imbalances, and the risk of value bubbles [8][9]. - Companies need to innovate beyond simple design replication and engage in deeper cultural storytelling and regional integration to differentiate their products [8][9]. Group 5: Future Directions - The future success of zodiac liquors will depend on companies' abilities to develop long-term capabilities, including cultural narrative, direct consumer engagement, pricing strategies, and product lifecycle management [9][10]. - Emphasizing cultural significance and scarcity will be crucial for achieving market success in the evolving landscape of the zodiac liquor market [10].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry is experiencing a "cooling" phase in the zodiac liquor market for the upcoming Year of the Horse in 2026, contrasting with previous years' fervor, as companies like Wuliangye, Yanghe, and Luzhou Laojiao release new products amid a more rational consumer sentiment and industry adjustments [1][4][6]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Major liquor companies, including Wuliangye, Yanghe, and Luzhou Laojiao, have launched zodiac liquor products for the Year of the Horse, with various pricing strategies and limited editions [2][5]. - The number of companies participating in the zodiac liquor market is expected to decrease by at least 30% compared to previous years, as the market becomes dominated by leading brands, raising entry barriers [5][9]. - The market is witnessing a shift from speculative investment to cultural consumption, as consumers prioritize taste and gifting over mere investment value [7][8]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Trends - Consumers are increasingly focused on the drinking experience and gifting scenarios, indicating a need for zodiac liquors to enhance their core drinking value alongside cultural attributes [7][9]. - The current market is characterized by homogenization in product design and packaging, leading to consumer fatigue and a decline in perceived uniqueness [8][9]. - The future success of zodiac liquors will depend on the ability of companies to innovate culturally and establish independent value systems for their products [9][10].

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor market has seen a significant increase in the retail prices of its top ten products, indicating a strong festive consumption atmosphere [1][2] - The overall price for a bundled sale of these ten products reached 9131 yuan, marking a daily increase of 56 yuan, the highest single-day rise recently [1] - The market is experiencing a broad upward trend driven by holiday demand, with premium products like Moutai leading the price increases [1][2] Price Movements - Moutai's premium product price increased by 32 yuan per bottle, reflecting strong demand for high-end gifts and banquet needs ahead of the holidays [1][2] - Other notable price changes include: - Yanghe Dream Blue M6+ up by 11 yuan per bottle - Gujing Tribute Wine up by 7 yuan per bottle - Qinghua Lang and Xijiu Junpin up by 6 yuan and 5 yuan per bottle respectively, with Qinghua Lang achieving three consecutive days of price increases [1] - Some products experienced minor price adjustments, such as Wuliangye down by 5 yuan and Feitian Moutai down by 3 yuan [1] Market Dynamics - The surge in Moutai prices is linked to recent news about the company's "quantity control" measures, which have led to a reduction in the supply of non-standard products by 30%-50% [2] - There is a noted shortage of certain Moutai products, leading to increased market speculation and consumer purchasing behavior, further driving up prices as the double festival approaches [2]

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor market has seen a significant increase in the retail prices of the top ten products, indicating a strong festive consumption atmosphere, with the total price for a packaged set reaching 9131 yuan, up 56 yuan from the previous day, marking a recent single-day high in price increase [1][6][7] Price Movements - The price of premium Moutai increased by 32 yuan per bottle, leading the market surge, reflecting strong demand for high-end gifts and banquet needs ahead of the holidays [7] - Other notable price increases include: - Yanghe Dream Blue M6+: up 11 yuan per bottle - Gujing Gong 20: up 7 yuan per bottle - Qinghua Lang: up 6 yuan per bottle - Xijiu Junpin: up 5 yuan per bottle - Guojiao 1573 and Shuijing Jian Nan Chun: both up 2 yuan per bottle [7][9] - Some products experienced minor price adjustments, with Wuliangye Pu 58th generation down 5 yuan, Feitian Moutai down 3 yuan, and Qinghua Fen 20 down 1 yuan, which are considered normal fluctuations [7] Market Dynamics - The data for the "Liquor Price Reference" is sourced from approximately 200 collection points across various regions, including designated distributors, social distributors, mainstream e-commerce platforms, and retail outlets, aiming to provide objective and traceable market price data [2][7] - The recent price surge for premium Moutai is linked to supply control measures announced by the company, which have led to a reduction in the availability of non-standard products by 30%-50%, creating a sense of scarcity and driving up prices as demand increases during the holiday season [2][7]

Core Insights - The Chinese liquor market is experiencing a significant price decline, with the average retail price of the top ten liquor products dropping to 9048 yuan, marking a new low since the expansion of the list on November 18, down 38 yuan from the previous day and 2.6% from the peak of 9291 yuan on November 25 [1][8]. Price Trends - The market shows a general downward trend, with eight products declining in price and only two experiencing slight increases. The largest drop was seen in the price of Crystal Jian Nan Chun, which fell by 11 yuan per bottle, followed by the premium Moutai, which decreased by 8 yuan per bottle [2][9]. - Other notable price changes include: - Wuliangye Pu Wu 8th generation down 7 yuan - Qinghua Fen 20 and Xijiu Junpin down 5 yuan each - Flying Moutai down 4 yuan - Gujing Gong Gu 20 down 2 yuan - Yanghe Dream Blue M6+ down 1 yuan - Qinghua Lang up 4 yuan - Guojiao 1573 up 1 yuan [2][9][11]. Market Analysis - According to a report from CITIC Securities, the food and beverage sector is currently valued at a historical low, with recommendations to invest in liquor and mass-market products. The report anticipates that the mass-market segment will outperform the overall liquor market, with expectations for demand to stabilize as the Spring Festival approaches [3][10]. - Specific stocks recommended for investment include Gujing Gongjiu, Yingjia Gongjiu, and Zhenjiu Lidu, based on their strong brand support, operational capabilities, and innovative marketing strategies [3][10].