Quanzhou News, November 18, 2024 (Reporters: Chen Yunqing, Huang Siyu, Text/Photos) — In an effort to drive the high-quality development of the food and beverage industry and bolster Quanzhou’s bid for UNESCO’s recognition as a "City of Gastronomy," the city has partnered with the China Culinary Association to launch the "Quanzhou Food and Beverage Industry High-Quality Development Plan." From November 7 to 9, Zhang Xiaowen, Vice President of the China Culinary Association, led a team of experts on a three-day research visit to Quanzhou, where they developed new strategies and frameworks for the city's food and beverage sector. The plan is expected to be finalized by January 2025.

　　Research Team Visits a Shishi Hotel to Explore Local Cuisine through the "Signature Dish of Each County" Initiative

　　The research team employed a combination of "briefing sessions and field visits" to gather insights. They engaged with local government representatives, catering associations, and food service enterprises, and visited several districts, including Nan’an, Shishi, and Licheng, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the trends shaping Quanzhou’s food and beverage industry.

　　During the discussions, city officials provided an overview of Quanzhou’s food and beverage landscape, covering key topics such as economic performance, talent development, local culinary specialties, and the integration of cultural tourism. Zhang Xiaowen emphasized that these discussions were instrumental in advancing the development of the plan.

　　Zhang pointed out that Quanzhou is strategically positioned in the food and beverage sector, with a deep cultural heritage in cuisine and a distinct advantage derived from the city’s dynamic overseas Chinese communities. These communities present unique opportunities to expand the local food industry internationally. "Over the past two years, Quanzhou's food and beverage industry has witnessed significant growth, positioning itself as a leader in Fujian Province and even across China. This highlights the immense potential for the city's high-quality industry development," Zhang stated. The planning process will help define clear development pathways, ensuring that the food and beverage sector continues to drive local economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents.

　　Representatives from various catering associations also provided updates on the current state of their organizations. The expert team acknowledged the vital role that social organizations play in driving industry development, particularly in terms of integrating resources and linking upstream and downstream industries. Quanzhou’s food and beverage associations are encouraged to leverage their strengths to foster innovation while preserving traditional culinary practices.

　　Zhang concluded by commending Quanzhou's rich culinary culture, diverse local dishes, and a relatively advanced food industry that has shown stability and growth. He noted that Quanzhou's cuisine had left a strong impression on him during the visit. This research trip has deepened the team’s understanding of Quanzhou’s food and beverage sector, enabling them to better shape its development framework and pathways. The findings will lay a solid foundation for the "Quanzhou Food and Beverage Industry High-Quality Development Plan" and advance the city’s bid to be recognized as a UNESCO "City of Gastronomy."