Chacha Food Co., Ltd. Announces Progress in the 10th Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Chacha Food Co., Ltd. (股票代码 SZ002557) disclosed on 2 February 2026 that its 10th Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) has reached a new milestone. The announcement, issued through the company’s official regulatory filing, confirms that the plan’s implementation is underway and outlines key metrics related to participation rates and share allocation. The document is available in PDF format on the China Securities Regulatory Commission’s website.

Key Details from the Filing

  • Plan Stage: The 10th ESOP is now in the execution phase, following approval of the governing documents and the establishment of the plan’s internal management framework.
  • Share Allocation: The plan will cover a broad spectrum of employees across the company’s Hefei headquarters and its manufacturing sites. Exact numbers of shares to be issued are disclosed in the filing, reflecting the company’s commitment to aligning employee interests with shareholder value.
  • Governance: A dedicated ESOP committee has been appointed to oversee compliance, valuation, and communication with participants.
  • Timeline: Full deployment of the plan is expected to complete by the end of the current fiscal year, with a subsequent review scheduled at the next annual general meeting.

Strategic Implications

Chacha Food’s continued expansion of employee‑ownership initiatives underscores its focus on long‑term growth and talent retention. By granting employees a tangible stake in the company, management aims to strengthen operational efficiency and reinforce the company’s position as a leading producer of roasted nuts and other snack products within China’s consumer‑staples sector.

The announcement arrives amid a broader industry trend of premium pricing for roasted nuts and other “light‑luxury” snack items. Reports published on 1 February 2026 highlight that prices for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other nuts have surged—often surpassing the cost of pork on a per‑weight basis. Shoppers in high‑traffic shopping malls are paying upwards of 200 yuan per kilogram for premium roasted varieties. This market shift reflects consumer demand for higher‑quality ingredients, advanced roasting techniques, and sophisticated packaging, all of which contribute to the price premium.

Market Context

  • Current Share Price: As of 8 January 2026, Chacha Food’s share price closed at 22.50 CNY, with a 52‑week high of 28.10 CNY (16 April 2025) and a low of 20.87 CNY (12 October 2025).
  • Sector Positioning: The company remains a key player within the Food Products sub‑industry, competing alongside other listed snack manufacturers that have also embraced ESOPs to enhance employee engagement.

Forward Outlook

With the ESOP now progressing, Chacha Food is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for premium roasted nuts while reinforcing a culture of shared ownership. Investors and analysts will likely monitor the plan’s performance and its impact on employee productivity and corporate governance in the forthcoming quarterly reports.