Quanzhou's Gastronomy Industry: Economic Importance and Dynamism of the Gastronomy Sector
Quanzhou's cultural sector is a crucial pillar of its economy, with 912 large cultural enterprises contributing over USD 9.6 billion in 2023, representing more than 6% of the city's GDP. The city's gastronomy industry plays a significant economic role, comprising 150,000 businesses spanning agriculture, food processing, and catering. In 2023 alone, this sector generated USD 206.90 billion, accounting for 12.32% of Quanzhou’s GDP and employing over 2 million people—22.52% of the total population.
Quanzhou actively fosters economic growth through its gastronomy sector by supporting contract farming models and encouraging food raw material manufacturers to establish operations beyond the city. This initiative has led to the development of 350,000 mu (approximately 23,333 hectares) of agricultural and sideline production outside Quanzhou, generating USD 4.1 billion and increasing incomes for over 100,000 farmers. Additionally, the city imports substantial food ingredients, including dairy, meat, seafood, edible oils, sugar, and grains. In 2023, food imports reached USD 9.83 billion, strengthening global trade and employment.
Community Engagement and Workforce Contributions
The gastronomy industry in Quanzhou features a well-structured ecosystem involving various stakeholders:
Catering
Establishments:Over 100,000 restaurants, including 14 listed on the Michelin Guide.
Professionals:15,000 chefs, including 35 national-level master chefs, 101 provincial-level masters, and 15 city-level skilled masters.
Workforce:Nearly 500,000 individuals employed in food and beverage services and food delivery, with over 70% being young professionals.
Rural Impact:1,206 village chef teams, providing flexible employment to nearly 100,000 individuals, including farmers and women.
Food Processing and Agriculture
Businesses:38,000 food processing companies, including 2 with annual outputs exceeding USD 137.93 million and 13 surpassing USD 13.79 million.
Modern Agriculture:12,000 farmer cooperatives and family farms playing a crucial role in supplying high-quality agricultural products.
Trading Platforms:243 marketplaces facilitating food ingredient transactions.
Infrastructure for Gastronomy Innovation and Production
Quanzhou has built a robust infrastructure supporting gastronomy professionals and enterprises:
9 master studios (1 national-level, 5 provincial-level, and 3 municipal-level), fostering culinary excellence.
15 celebrity chef clubs and 305 high-tech enterprises, employing 812 professionals in food design, innovation, and exchange.
The Quanzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Centre, offering 25 annual training courses to promote the innovation of gastronomic heritage.
11 industrial parks and 26 nationally recognized trade brands supporting large-scale food production.
98 gastronomic tourism routes and designated culinary districts, along with 875 town centers for villagers’ banquets, providing professionals with platforms for showcasing culinary creativity.
Role of Professional and Civil Society Organizations
Quanzhou's gastronomy industry is supported by 40 specialized associations dedicated to research, industry advancement, and skill exchange. Key organizations include:
The Quanzhou Gastronomy Industry Promotion Association, which focuses on infrastructure, talent development, and digital supply chain platforms.
11 food processing associations with 1,773 member entities, fostering enterprise competitiveness and industry standardization.
19 catering service associations with 2,616 member entities, dedicated to cultural heritage preservation, skill-sharing, and culinary innovation.
9 associations specializing in time-honored brands and nutritional health, comprising 1,291 member entities, integrating technological innovation with traditional techniques to promote sustainable gastronomy.
Policies and Initiatives Supporting Gastronomy Development
Quanzhou has implemented several initiatives to enhance its gastronomy industry:
The Quanzhou Food and Beverage Industry High-Quality Development Implementation Plan (2022–2025): Focuses on planting bases, enterprise support, logistics efficiency, brand development, and e-commerce expansion.
The Quanzhou Gastronomy Industry High-Quality Development Plan (2024-2028): Aims to foster talent, establish culinary display platforms, extend industry chains, and preserve intangible cultural heritage techniques.
The "14th Five-Year" Culture and Tourism Reform and Development Special Plan (2021-2025): Supports flagship restaurants, branded eateries, and food heritage tourism, integrating local cuisine into rural tourism initiatives.
Quanzhou’s comprehensive strategy aligns with UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy framework, reflecting its commitment to innovation, cultural preservation, and economic growth through gastronomy.
