Source: Global Times
Article on the website of Radio France Internationale on July 14, original title: Ice cream makes Chinese social networks boil Ice cream cones, cups or popsicles, all kinds of ice cream have been sold out in big cities in China. According to the media, China has nearly 45,000 ice cream manufacturers, with sales exceeding 160 billion yuan last year. "This is a growing market that still has great potential." Sophie Cullen, marketing director of an investment company in Shanghai, said that each Chinese consumes 3.5 liters of ice cream per year, while in Western countries it is 6 to 6 per person per year. 8 liters.
If traditional brands such as Yili and Mengniu have long launched ice cream priced under 1 euro, then emerging companies have begun to compete with high-end foreign brands. They are eager to attract trendy young consumers with ice cream at a high price of nearly 10 euros. Some companies unrelated to the industry are also entering the market. The most famous example is Kweichow Moutai . In May, Kweichow Moutai cooperated with Mengniu to launch low-alcohol ice cream. Sophie said: "Although the price of 5 to 9 euros is on the high side, thousands of copies are sold within a few hours and it also allows them to reach young people who are not yet familiar with baijiu." In addition, some cultural institutions such as The Summer Palace has also begun to provide tourists with homemade cultural and creative ice cream.
In addition to considering the health needs of low-fat, low-sugar , manufacturers must continue to innovate in shape, taste, and formula to satisfy customers. All flavors are allowed as long as the results meet the above requirements. "People consume a lot of ice cream during the heat wave. For example, the temperature in Shanghai these days exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. Eating an ice cream now can quench your thirst, and I can tell you, it feels good!" Sophie said.
However, many people say that there are fewer and fewer cheap ice creams nowadays. Because there is no clear price tag, consumers find their wallets "murdered" by high-priced ice cream when checking out. Dissatisfied netizens call it the "ice cream assassin." In response, China's market regulator implemented new regulations earlier this month, requiring operators to clearly mark the price and ingredients of ice cream. However, food industry expert Zhu Danpeng said that if some ice creams are very expensive, "it is because they have social attributes that add value". (Author Stephane Lagarde, translated by Zhao Fengying)
