On March 14, approved by the State Council, the Ministry of Commerce, and eight other departments, the "Guiding Opinions on Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Catering Industry" were released. This document outlines the pathway for advancing the high-quality development of the catering sector across China.

　　Following this release, catering professionals in Quanzhou have shown a strong commitment to applying for the title of "City of Gastronomy." The local community has unified, with all stakeholders playing their part. The comprehensive approach includes implementing multiple measures across various fields to foster new forms of productivity and momentum, thereby promoting the city's high-quality development in the catering sector.

　　Participating in Major Events to Promote Culinary Innovation

　　On April 2, the 17th China Catering Industry Development Conference was held in Jinan, Shandong. The conference, hosted by the China Cuisine Association, brought together leaders from national ministries, industry experts, scholars, and representatives from the restaurant industry to discuss key trends, innovations, and the future of China’s catering industry.

　　The 17th China Catering Industry Development Conference held in Shandong on April 2.

　　During this national event, representatives from Quanzhou, including Deputy Director Jian Guohong from the Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, heads from the Quanzhou Market Supervision Bureau, and key industry leaders, participated in discussions on how the city can leverage its bid for "City of Gastronomy" to host new culinary events, create a distinctive food culture IP, and enhance Quanzhou’s status as a gastronomic landmark. These efforts also aim to further drive the optimization and upgrading of the local catering industry.

　　Deputy Director Jian Guohong and others from the Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce held discussions with Vice President and Secretary-General Tong Lin of the China Cuisine Association during the conference.

　　At the conference’s banquet, Quanzhou’s Master Chef Hu Manrong and his team from Rongyu Group prepared the Quanzhou specialty dish, Braised Golden Abalone, which received praise from guests and industry experts.

　　Master Chef Hu Manrong, Executive Chef at Rongyu Group, delivered a speech at the Chinese Dish Development Forum during the conference.

　　At the event, Master Chef Hu Manrong was reappointed as Deputy Director of the Chinese Dish Research Center by the China Cuisine Association. Additionally, Xu Minqiang, President of the Quanzhou Chefs Association, was named an expert, and Zhang Wenyuan, Secretary-General of the Pre-packaged Food Committee, was appointed Senior Researcher.

Master Chef Hu Manrong speaking at the Chinese Dish Development Forum.

　　Master Hu expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his 30-year career and promised to continue innovating, especially in promoting Quanzhou cuisine on a national scale.

　　Multiple Measures to Drive High-Quality Development in the Catering Industry

　　President Liu Shuwen of the Quanzhou Catering and Culinary Association shared that the city is preparing for Quanzhou cuisine to be showcased at UNESCO headquarters in Paris by mid-April. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to sharing its culinary heritage with the world. Liu emphasized that the "Guiding Opinions" outline clear strategies for talent development, community catering, green initiatives, and enhancing professional pride, offering optimism for the future of the catering industry. The association is also focused on educational efforts and building a comprehensive Quanzhou cuisine system.

　　Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce and Huaqiao University College of Tourism jointly established the Quanzhou Food Economy Research Base.

　　Liu also noted that efforts are underway to innovate new food products using Quanzhou’s specialties, which will stimulate local economic growth and raise the city’s global profile. He stressed that collaboration between individuals, associations, government agencies, media, and the community is crucial for success.

　　Li Jia, Section Chief at the Service Industry Development Division of the Quanzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce, highlighted the successful execution of numerous events over the past year, including culinary exhibitions, top chef and dish competitions, food festivals, and influencer visits to restaurants, which collectively attracted thousands of visitors. The "Shanhai Culinary King Competition" was a notable event, drawing chefs from across hundreds of local restaurants to compete.

　　Quanzhou’s industry associations and culinary experts jointly issued the "High-Quality Development Proposal for Quanzhou’s Catering Industry."

　　Looking forward, the Bureau plans to work with national culinary associations and industry leaders to organize more major catering events, create research bases, and promote Quanzhou’s culinary culture both locally and globally. The focus is also on enhancing the application for the "City of Gastronomy" designation, ensuring that Quanzhou’s culinary heritage reaches a wider, international audience.