Food Intelligence King

Chapter 14 New Information
This intelligence report is still about the same old three things: ingredients, diners, and the food market.

Two are common, one is rare.

[Ingredient News (Rare)]: Under the blazing summer sun, plump chili peppers hang heavy on the rolling terraced fields. This gift from afar has now taken root in the vast culinary landscape of China, igniting the soul of countless dishes with its unique flavor. It has even transformed into a flowing gold—chili oil.

[You've learned how to make chili oil by viewing this ingredient newsletter.]

If the system hadn't only provided text information without any video, Chen Zhou would have been suspicious:
Do I have to watch the previous episode of "A Bite of China" first?

"I'm content just not having to watch ads!"

The method for making chili oil was etched into Chen Zhou's mind, as ingrained as the muscle memory for making steamed buns.

It became an unforgettable memory.

Although it's not exactly a recipe, as a practical seasoning, I'll definitely need to use it a lot in the future when cooking.

Next is——

[Customer Update]: The couple from Jinda Tobacco and Liquor will be visiting your business soon.

Tobacco and liquor stores, along with express delivery stations, convenience stores, and barbershops, can be collectively known as the "Four Pillars" of a community.

They can be seen around every residential area.

Jinda Tobacco and Liquor is the one right at the entrance of Chenzhou's residential area.

If the couple comes, Chen Zhou thinks it's worth keeping an eye on them and getting to know them.

This will make it easier to inquire about the surrounding shops in the future.

After all, is it really appropriate to just walk into someone's shop and ask, "How much is your rent?"

They lack a certain sense of boundaries typical of adults.

finally--

[Market News]: The local vinegar brewery "Tianli" is currently holding a summer promotional event, offering special discounts for small vendors.

Chen Zhou is very familiar with this brand.

Nearly half of the vinegar sold in the local market is produced by Tim Li.

He used the same brand of pickled cucumbers a couple of days ago.

I didn't expect there to be special discounts for small vendors.

It's worth a visit.

This is the third time the intelligence has been updated.

Chen Zhou also summarized the differences between different intelligence levels.

Ordinary intelligence reports tend to be rather general. How to utilize them depends largely on Chen Zhou's own choices.

And when it rises to the level of rarity

The information density has increased significantly, and the targeting and value of the intelligence are more obvious.

For example, the recommended price of antique plates, or the recipe for steamed buns from a chef who has served at state banquets.

There's an old saying in the street vending world: "Wind brings losses in half, rain brings losses outright."

The weather forecast predicts showers tonight. Chen Zhou, not wanting to risk ruining his steamed buns, decided to take a day off.

I have some time now, so I can go and visit Tianli's exhibition.

Steamed buns with a touch of vinegar are a perfect match.

"Yifan, I need to go out by car today!"

"Hmm~ Gas prices will go up tomorrow, which is perfect since I just filled up my tank."

My wife also has her own information system for managing the household frugally.

So the family continued with the same arrangement: Chen Zhou would pick up and drop off the mother and daughter at work and school.

Upon hearing this news, Chen Taotao moved closer to Chen Zhou and said mysteriously:
"Dad, could you drive us in that little car?"

Chen Zhou bent down:
Which one? The electric car?

That seat can't fit three people.

Chen Taotao nodded excitedly, gesturing with her feet as she jumped up and down: "It's like a bang, a bang!"

It turns out they were referring to their own food cart.

It's rare to see an elderly father who sets up a street stall without being disliked by his daughter.

However, it is possible, but I'm afraid Dad might not be able to drive it back.

So she could only invite her daughter to pick her up from get off work the next time she set up her stall. In the kitchen, Ms. Lin was busy preparing breakfast.

She pays more attention to a balanced diet than Chen Zhou.

Eggs, milk, vegetables and fruits, and whole wheat bread slices flattened by Chen Zhou's pickled cucumbers in the refrigerator.

It's marketed as quick, nutritious, but the taste is just average.

Chen Taotao neither had a good meal this morning nor was she able to ride the "clanging" car as she had hoped.
Helplessly, I started blowing milk bubbles.

"I don't want to go to school!"

After dropping his wife off at work, Chen Zhou drove to the Tianli Vinegar Exhibition in the neighboring district.

As we approached the exhibition area, we could already smell a strong odor of vinegar.

By the time he entered the hall, his nose had almost gotten used to it.

On the exhibition stand,
The host was reading aloud with great expression the promotional slogans such as "Centennial Vinegar" and "Carefully Brewed".

Aside from Tianli's staff, the attendees at the exhibition appeared to be mainly large supermarkets and distributors.

They were either wearing uniforms or employee badges.

Individual street vendors like Chen Zhou are extremely rare.

He approached a young woman at the service desk and asked, "Hello, I heard there are special offers for street vendors here, is that right?"

The little girl blinked her innocent big eyes, clearly stumped by the question.

The idle time is up to one minute.

At one point, Chen Zhou wondered if he had gone to the wrong place.

Suddenly, the other person nodded vigorously:

Yes, sir.

This left Chen Zhou somewhat confused.

He had to explain to the other party beforehand: "I'm just a steamed bun seller, not a big customer."

The young woman nodded again, "That's exactly the kind of self-employed business owner I'm looking for."

He then summoned his superior.

"what happened?"

Hu Zhilong, the person in charge of the trade fair, was just exchanging pleasantries with his clients.

These business owners and companies often deal with each other, and their visits are simply to seek more preferential treatment.

The purpose of this exhibition, in addition to consolidating their already dominant position in the local market, is to further solidify their position in the local market.

Actually, there was another purpose, which was to target the lower-tier market.

After a period of investigation, it was found that

Vinegar packets from small businesses and vendors will end up in the hands of end consumers in various forms.

The most common type is vinegar in small packages, which are given away as freebies with takeout or packed to go.

The profit margin for this product may not be high, but it is extremely helpful for brand promotion.

I recalled what my unassuming boss said during a meeting—

"Just print a big logo on the packaging, and it'll work."

Hu Zhilong strongly agreed.

However, the problem their sales department faces is that Tianli vinegar is usually sold by distributors.

The interests involved are extremely complex. As a result, the company has virtually no direct control over its retail channels.

Not to mention finding small vendors.

To complete the task assigned by the boss, the only way is to go and promote the giveaway of vinegar and eggs, which would at least allow a bunch of elderly people to pretend to be volunteers.
Hearing the front desk calling his name,
Hu Zhilong walked over to Chen Zhou and the others.

"Who is this?"

The young woman at the service counter introduced him: "This is Mr. Chen, who sells steamed buns."

Hu Zhilong urged the young girl to hurry up and get the product.

He then cleared his throat and said to Chen Zhou:
"Mr. Chen, we have small packets of vinegar that we can provide free of charge to individual business owners for trial use. Would you be interested in cooperating with us?"

"some."

(End of this chapter)