Quanzhou, 30 November 2024 (Media Reporter Gao Huizi) – The "2024 'Chinese Culinary Gathering' First China (Quanzhou) Silk Road Snack Festival and International Food Carnival," co-hosted by the China Cuisine Association and Quanzhou Cultural and Tourism Group, was held from 29 November to 1 December in Quanzhou. A central component of this event, the 6th Snack Industry Development Conference, took place at the Quanzhou Hotel yesterday morning.

　　According to recent statistics, China’s national catering revenue reached 4.44 trillion yuan from January to October 2024. The catering industry has undergone significant structural changes, with a growing shift toward regional, small-scale dining establishments. Regional snacks, known for their distinctive "local flavors," have gained considerable popularity. The snack industry, marked by its regional diversity, numerous vendors, and substantial market transactions, is emerging as a central sector within China’s expanding catering landscape.

　　In recent years, Quanzhou has prioritized the vigorous development of its snack industry, focusing on both preserving and innovating traditional snack-making techniques. The city has also bolstered its support for time-honoured brands and enterprises representing intangible cultural heritage. In recognition of its rich culinary offerings, Quanzhou was named one of China’s "Top 10 Culinary Tourism Cities" by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2023, with local snacks now integral to its cultural and tourism identity.

　　The food and beverage sector is one of Quanzhou’s nine major industrial clusters, generating an annual output value approaching 200 billion yuan. This thriving sector reflects a philosophy of "food for the people, food benefiting the people, and food enriching the people."

　　Quanzhou is actively pursuing the title of "City of Gastronomy" and is making plans to establish the Quanzhou Food Industry Development Association and a Quanzhou Gastronomy Museum. In addition, the city is expanding policy support for the sector. The conference serves as a key platform for advancing Quanzhou’s snack food industry, improving consumer experiences, and promoting the branding of "New Hokkien Cuisine, Best of Quanzhou." The overarching goal is to foster both traditional and innovative developments in the snack food sector, contributing to the city’s broader vision of becoming a leading hub along the 21st-century Maritime Silk Routes.

　　During the conference, experts, scholars, and leaders from prominent snack enterprises shared valuable insights on the future of the snack industry, including data-driven research, emerging market trends, and successful case studies from leading enterprises.