Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 146 Misjudgment (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and continued reading)

Chen Bingwen knew that at that time, there were no truly functional energy bars in the world.

The mainstream products on the market are still high-sugar, high-fat chocolate bars like Snickers and Mars bars, which are marketed for their ability to combat hunger and provide energy.

However, their core function is to provide calories from sugar and fat, rather than targeted functional enhancements.

Even the few similar military ration bars only focus on calorie density and have no concept of "functional ingredients".

This means that "functional energy bars" represent a complete market gap.

"Professor Zhou, this thing has enormous potential."

As he spoke, Chen Bingwen broke off a small piece from the dark brown energy bar and examined it closely under the laboratory light: "There are only two kinds of 'energy bars' on the global market right now: one is the sugar and oil cannonball like Snickers and Mars bars, which rely on calories to suppress hunger."
Another type is the military's compressed biscuits or rations, which prioritize calorie density and have no functional value whatsoever.

"Therefore, the product you developed can be said to fill a product gap!"

As he spoke, he tossed the pieces into his mouth and chewed them gently.

"Professor Zhou, please work hard these next few days to quickly organize the key technical points of the 'functional energy bar' product, from its principles to its structure and its sustained-release mechanism, and try to achieve full patent coverage."

In addition, it is important to maintain confidentiality. Whether it is functional chewing gum or this functional energy bar, the technical threshold is neither high nor low.

Before we officially begin production, no one except the core members of your R&D team can disclose any related information.

Chen Bingwen gave his final instructions.

After leaving the R&D center, Chen Bingwen asked his secretary, Ali, to find Gao Zhenhai and Zhong Qiang.

With "functional chewing gum" and "functional energy bars," Chen Ji's "functional" product matrix has taken shape, no longer relying solely on the single "Pulse" beverage.

Product manufacturing can no longer be done in a mixed manner as before.

He is preparing to carry out a complete and strategic restructuring and upgrade of the production system!
Soon after, Gao Zhenhai and Zhong Qiang rushed over.

"Brother Wen!"

"boss!"

Chen Bingwen didn't waste time with pleasantries and went straight to the point.
"Ah Hai, Brother Qiang, I'm planning to completely restructure and upgrade our existing production system!"
We can't continue like before, producing sugary drinks and beverages all together in one factory!

"Brother Wen, what do you suggest we do?"

Gao Zhenhai has always unconditionally supported Chen Bingwen's decisions.

Therefore, when Chen Bingwen made his request, Gao Zhenhai immediately agreed without hesitation.

Chen Bingwen was very satisfied with Gao Zhenhai's reaction.

Gao Zhenhai's loyalty and execution never disappointed him.

He smiled and nodded, then said, "I plan to move all the bottled sugar water production lines from Fu Yuen Factory to Kwun Tong Factory and Sha Tin Factory!"
In addition to the "Pulse" functional beverage, Fuyuan Factory will add other functional products in the future.

Therefore, all preparations must be made before production!
After relocating the bottled sugar water production line, a new Class 100,000 cleanroom will be built.

The production of chewing gum and energy bars requires a low-speed planetary mixer, an automatic cutter, a tablet extruder, and a packaging machine.

The two production lines can basically share resources, so adding one more sterile production workshop is sufficient to meet the production needs of both.

While Chen Bingwen was arranging and adjusting the production system, in Tokyo, Japan, at the headquarters of Taisho Pharmaceutical, the Lipohealth division...

Business Division Director Kenjiro Nakamura pointed to the latest sales data charts on the wall, his face beaming with pride.

On the chart, the curve representing Lipovitan sales showed a sharp upward inflection point in the past week, coinciding with the large-scale "buy two get one free" promotion!

"Gentlemen, do you see that?" Kenjiro Nakamura said contemptuously, "This is the effect of our counterattack!"
Despite the hype surrounding "Pulse" energy drink, our promotion immediately brought sales back up!
Consumers ultimately recognize our established brand, Lipovitan, and trust our quality and reputation!
This clearly demonstrates that they cannot shake the reputation for quality and consumer trust we have built up over decades!

Another executive scoffed and chimed in, "The director is right!"
What real skills can a small company from Hong Kong possess?

Ultimately, energy drinks should be judged by their tangible effects and cost-effectiveness!
Our Lipovitan formula has been validated by hundreds of millions of consumers!

It's invigorating and refreshing, with long-lasting and stable effects! What can their fleeting, novelties have to compare to ours?

As he spoke, he waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away an annoying fly.

Another section chief from the marketing department nodded in agreement: "That's true."

Data shows that although 'Pulse' has a wide distribution network, its sales seem to be far below expectations.

It seems that consumers still prefer local brands like Lipovitan, which have a long history and proven efficacy.

Once the novelty wears off, they will eventually return to making rational choices.

Director Nakamura summarized in high spirits: "Let's maintain the promotional efforts! At the same time, we'll keep a close eye on the movements of 'Pulse'."

However, in my opinion, they probably can't come up with any new tricks.

The Japanese energy drink market will ultimately belong to Lipovitan!

On the other side of Tokyo, in the banquet hall of the Imperial Hotel in the heart of Ginza, a grand event that would overturn their understanding of the world was unfolding.

On the huge backdrop, Momoe Yamaguchi's pure smile and the ice-blue "Pulse" beverage bottle complement each other, with the eye-catching slogan in the middle: "Momoe Yamaguchi × Chen Ji Food Global Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony".

Ling Peiyi wore a well-tailored champagne-colored custom-made suit and had exquisite makeup.

As the operations director of Chenji Foods, she sat on the signing table on behalf of the company.

Opposite them stood the equally radiant Momoe Yamaguchi and her manager, Kiyoshi Matsumoto.

The audience below was packed with reporters from major Japanese media outlets, their cameras and microphones aimed at the signing stage.

"Dear friends from the media, thank you very much for attending today's signing ceremony."

The host began with an enthusiastic voice, "Today, we are witnessing a historic moment together!"

National idol Momoe Yamaguchi will officially become a global strategic partner of Chen Ji Foods, endorsing all categories of Chen Ji's products!

This in-depth collaboration is based on a shared commitment to a healthy and vibrant lifestyle!

As soon as the host finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the banquet hall, and flashbulbs went off like crazy.

Ling Peiyi watched everything unfolding before her with a polite smile.

She knew that this expensive and high-profile signing ceremony had only one core objective: to leverage Yamaguchi Momoe's unparalleled popularity and healthy image to propel the brands "Chen Ji Foods" and "Pulse" to the pinnacle of the Japanese market!

The signing ceremony began. Ling Peiyi and Matsumoto Kiyoshi signed and exchanged the strategic partnership agreement on behalf of their respective parties.

Subsequently, Momoe Yamaguchi also signed her name on the contract.

This moment was captured forever by countless cameras.

The atmosphere reached a climax during the subsequent Q&A session with the media.

"Director Ling, as an emerging international company, why did Chenji Foods choose Ms. Momoe Yamaguchi as its global spokesperson?"
What is the significance of this for expanding into the Japanese market?

A senior financial journalist asked a question.

Ling Peiyi replied calmly, "Ms. Yamaguchi Momoe is an irreplaceable superstar in Japan and even Asia."

Her healthy, sunny, and positive image perfectly aligns with the core values ​​advocated by the Chenji brand!
We believe that Ms. Yamaguchi's joining will not only greatly enhance the brand awareness and favorability of 'Pulse' among Japanese consumers, but also convey a healthy and energetic lifestyle to more people!
This signifies Chen Ji Foods' firm commitment to cultivating the Japanese market and serving Japanese consumers!

"Ms. Yamaguchi, you rarely accept endorsements. What were your considerations in choosing 'Pulse' this time?" Entertainment reporters were more interested in their idol's thoughts.

Momoe Yamaguchi replied with a smile: "Chen Ji advocates a more scientific and healthier way of managing one's energy and state."

This aligns perfectly with my personal philosophy of pursuing a positive and balanced life.

I'm honored to be a part of 'Pulse,' and I hope this product can help everyone find their own energetic rhythm in their busy work and life.

Her answer was sincere and infectious, instantly winning the favor of everyone present.

The media cameras were frantically capturing every moment of her interaction with the "Pulse" product.

Soon, this meticulously planned signing ceremony spread throughout Japanese society through television, radio, newspaper front pages, and magazine features.

"Momoe Yamaguchi endorses 'Pulse'" and "Chenji Foods joins hands with national idol" became the hottest news topics of the day.

Chen Ji Foods and the name "Pulse" have been forcefully implanted into the minds of Japanese consumers with an unprecedented level of prestige and a positive image.

However, this was only the first wave of Chen Bingwen's combined attack.

That very evening, at 8 PM, during Japan's prime-time television slot, a meticulously planned and multi-dimensional advertising blitz was launched on schedule!
On television screens in all major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, the first commercial featuring Momoe Yamaguchi for "Pulse" appeared simultaneously!
In the morning light, Momoe Yamaguchi, dressed in sportswear, runs energetically in the park, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, her breathing slightly rapid, creating a very realistic scene.

The next second, she stopped, picked up a bottle of ice-blue "Pulse" and tilted her head back to drink it.

The camera zooms in on the water droplets sliding down her slender neck. As she puts down the bottle, her eyes instantly brighten and become focused, and a radiant smile blossoms on her face!

At the end of the advertisement, she faces the camera, smiles, and says, "Choose vitality, choose pulse. My choice."

Finally, the image freezes on the giant "Pulse" bottle and the Chenji logo, accompanied by that highly recognizable sound effect:

"Tap~ Wait tap tap~!"

At the same time, major commercial radio stations were playing short advertisements on a loop: "Recommended by Momoe Yamaguchi!"
Chen Ji Pulse, a new choice for boosting energy and alertness!

Furthermore, the "Open the cap and win a prize, get another bottle free" promotion is in full swing! See in-store posters for details!

The day after the advertisement aired, brand new posters appeared overnight on the freezers and checkout counters of convenience stores and supermarkets all over the streets!
The poster features a large image of Momoe Yamaguchi holding a bottle of "Pulse" (a popular Chinese sports drink), her smile radiating warmth. Next to her, in bold letters, is the tagline:

"Momoe Yamaguchi's choice! Pulse Energy Drink!"
Open the cap for a prize, and get another bottle for free!
The winning rate is as high as 25%!

Below is a small note: "With the winning bottle cap, you can instantly redeem a bottle of New Pulse at the store where you purchased it!"

Superstar effect + terminal incentives + saturation bombardment!

Chen Bingwen's meticulously planned three-pronged approach instantly captured the attention of Japanese consumers!
Countless fans of Momoe Yamaguchi, especially middle-aged male office workers and housewives, rushed into convenience stores and supermarkets as soon as they saw the advertisement, just to buy "Momoe Yamaguchi's Choice"—that bottle of ice-blue "Pulse".

For them, buying "Pulse" is not only for energizing, but also a way to support their idols and project their emotions onto them.

And the winning rate is 25%!

Redeem on the spot!

This instant and visible reward mechanism precisely targets the human desire for "luck" and "getting something for nothing".

Whether they are curious passersby trying something new or hesitant consumers, they can't help but grab a bottle and try their luck when they see the eye-catching poster at the checkout counter.

"What if I win?"

This became the most effective reason to buy.

Yamada, the manager of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Shibuya, Tokyo, was stunned by what he saw as soon as he opened the store in the early morning.

At a busy 7-Eleven convenience store in Shibuya, Tokyo, night shift employee Naoki Kobayashi was stunned by what he saw as soon as he changed into his uniform.

The once neatly arranged ice-blue "Pulse" beverages in the freezer now have only a few scattered bottles left, while the adjacent Lipovitan shelf is still full.

He clearly remembered that the freezer was still full when he finished his night shift yesterday.

"Yamaguchi-san's power is truly amazing!"

He muttered to himself as he notified the distribution center to replenish the stock immediately.

Not long after, several female students in school uniforms rushed into the store, chattering away. They went straight to the freezer and grabbed the last few bottles of "Pulse".

One of them excitedly pointed to the poster of Momoe Yamaguchi holding "Pulse" next to the cashier: "Look! This is it!"
It's endorsed by Momoe Yamaguchi!

When they paid, they specifically asked, "Is 'buy one more bottle' really true?"
Is the odds of winning high?

Only after receiving an affirmative answer did they leave satisfied.

This was just the beginning. In the next few hours, Xiaolin noticed a significant increase in customers buying "Pulse," including office workers in suits and taxi drivers who had just finished their night shifts.
They were attracted either by Momoe Yamaguchi's advertisements or by the temptation of "buy one get one free".

The freezer was emptied and then replenished, and then emptied again. The frequency of replenishment has changed from once every two or three days to several times a day.

At a large drugstore in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Yamada, the purchasing manager for the beverage section, received several calls from regular customers asking if they sold "Pulse" (a popular Chinese sports drink).

He walked to the beverage section and found that the Lipovitan "buy two get one free" promotional display, which was originally placed in the corner, had few customers, while the "Pulse" shelf near the cashier, which had an eye-catching poster of Momoe Yamaguchi, was surrounded by many people.

Yoko Onodera, the sales promoter in charge of the area, was extremely busy, restocking while answering customers' questions about the details of the "buy one get one free" promotion.

“Yamada-san,” Yoko Onodera wiped the sweat from her forehead, “‘Pulse’ sold out twice this morning!”

Many customers come specifically for Yamaguchi-san and the lucky draw; we're getting so many inquiries! We need to stock up on more!

(End of this chapter)