Articles by 伊利餐饮

Yili's Move into Foodservice Channels: A New Opportunity for Distributors, Not Just 'Selling an Extra Bottle of Milk'

In recent years, distributors of alcoholic beverages and food have faced mounting pressure: slowing baijiu sales, plateauing traditional beverage growth, and channel adjustments by major brands. The era of relying on a few blockbuster products to make money is ending. Distributors now find themselves trapped with inventory but no sell-through, channels but no profit, and teams but no growth direction. What they truly lack are products that can generate stable profits, brands that support long-term operations, and new business models that protect channel margins while sustaining their teams. Meanwhile, China's foodservice market is undergoing transformation, with consumers redefining 'table beverages' to prioritize health, taste, and quality. Yili has established a dedicated foodservice business unit, recruiting distributors nationwide, and building a specialized product system and operational model around four core scenarios: breakfast, restaurant front-of-house, delivery, and banquets.