Currently, the bagel consumer base exhibits clear characteristics of youthfulness and diversification, with urban white-collar workers aged 25-35 becoming the core consumer group. At the same time, it covers multiple circles such as fitness enthusiasts, urban middle class, and students. The varying needs of different groups drive the iteration of bagel products towards refinement and personalization, and also reconstruct the product layout logic of the industry.
Urban white-collar workers aged 25-35 constitute the main force of bagel consumption. This group works at a fast pace, emphasizing efficiency and quality. Their core needs for bagels are concentrated in three dimensions: convenience, health, and taste. They require bagels that can be quickly heated and are suitable for commuting to work in the morning. They also value the cleanliness of the formula, rejecting unnecessary additives, and pursue a richness of flavors - from classic original flavors to cheese fillings and combinations of fruits and vegetables, offering diverse choices to satisfy their daily dietary freshness needs. Jiangsu Gubai Fen has launched over a hundred bagel products, including the "0 Series" and "Cheese Dozen Series", precisely tailored to meet the needs of the white-collar workforce. Its characteristics of zero preservatives and quick-freezing to lock in freshness perfectly align with white-collar workers' dual pursuit of health and convenience.
Fitness enthusiasts focus on the "healthy attributes" of bagels, viewing them as the preferred carbohydrate choice during fat loss periods. They prioritize low GI values and high dietary fiber content, preferring bagels made with whole wheat, rye, and other coarse grains, and rejecting high-sugar and high-fat fillings, seeking the natural flavor of the ingredients. On the other hand, urban middle-class individuals place more emphasis on the "social attributes" of bagels, viewing them as a symbol of refined living. They are keen on sharing DIY bagel combinations on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu and WeChat Moments. The circular cutting shape and diverse filling options make bagels a "social currency", and they are even willing to pay a higher premium for high-end handmade bagels. Furthermore, students pay more attention to cost-effectiveness, making affordable basic bagels an important choice for their daily snacks and breakfasts. This has driven the price range of bagels to extend downward, covering a wider range of consumers.
