Summary of the Core Content
This article uses the personified perspective of garlic sprouts to illustrate the challenges faced by traditional agricultural products in the internet era: garlic sprouts struggle to find buyers and risk being phased out, while similar products like corn and Beibei pumpkins have successfully transformed from ordinary ingredients into high-end, internet-famous items through genetic modification, branding, and online marketing. The article ultimately raises the question of whether traditional agricultural products should stick to their roots or adapt to the times.
1. Why Are Garlic Sprouts Worried? The Problem of “Graduation equals Unemployment” for Traditional Agricultural Products
The troubles of garlic sprouts are akin to those of young people who struggle to find jobs after graduation: in the past, they relied on vendors coming to collect them; now, there are fewer and fewer vendors. Ordinary households also buy less of them, and if they rot in the field, it not only affects their own yield but also that of the garlic (their “parent” plant). Even more concerning is the possibility that if no solution is found, humans might develop garlic seeds that don’t produce sprouts—this would be a literal extinction! Essentially, traditional agricultural products have failed to keep up with the times. The internet has changed sales channels, but garlic sprouts still use old methods, falling behind.
2. How Did Corn Turn Things Around? From “Animal Feed” to “High-End Healthy Food”
Corn was once considered a rough material for animal feed, but now it’s valued as a luxury product. The transformation involved two steps:
1. Rebranding: Genetic modification made it more refined and attractive, meeting people’s preferences for healthy food;
2. Online Marketing: Collaborating with internet entrepreneurs for targeted marketing—using private networks (such as WeChat groups) to sell to consumers in first- and second-tier cities, and using data to monitor sales performance. As a result, the price has increased significantly, from being sold by the ton to by the individual unit.
3. The Popularity of Beibei Pumpkins: A Name Change and Live Streaming
The success of Beibei pumpkins was even simpler: by giving it a cute name and using live streaming (with headphones, light makeup, and a cozy background), they appealed directly to young consumers. This shows that traditional agricultural products can gain popularity by tapping into modern consumer preferences through new media marketing.
4. Is the Internet a Barrier or a Ladder? It Depends on How You Use It
While garlic sprouts see the internet as a barrier that separates them from the modern world, corn and pumpkins use it as a tool to reach their target audience (people concerned about health), build brands, and sell products online. In essence, the internet is not an enemy; it’s all about how you utilize it to solve your problems.
5. Garlic Sprouts’ Dilemma: Change or Not? That’s the Question
Seeing others’ success, garlic sprouts are torn between staying true to their nature (perhaps through genetic modification) and losing their identity, and changing to adapt to the market. This dilemma is common among traditional farmers who fear being eliminated by change while also fearing losing their essence. The article concludes with a metaphor suggesting that change might be the only way forward, but the cost of losing one’s authenticity can be daunting.
This article uses the story of vegetables to highlight the transformation challenges faced by traditional industries in the internet age: either actively adapt to the market or risk being left behind. For everyone, whether in business or life, it’s essential to keep up with the times.