An employee at Jiangsu Yuanqiao Biotechnology observes a biomimetic digestion reactor. [Photo/people.com.cn]
In recent years, the Taixing Huangqiao Economic Development Zone in Taixing, Jiangsu province, has focused on its bio-fermentation and future food industry chain, shifting the new food industry towards high-end, sustainability, and high value-added development.
Taixing's Huangqiao sesame cake has long enjoyed a strong reputation, and if people want to taste it, they must buy it at the physical store and can only keep it for a short time.
To help solve the problem, the Huangqiao Sesame Cake Association, together with the School of Food Science and Technology at Jiangnan University, relevant enterprises and experts, established the Jiangsu Huangqiao Sesame Cake Research Institute in October 2023 to boost further research and development.
"Locally produced hericium erinaceus, gingko kernel and other ingredients will be added to the latest Huangqiao sesame cake under development to make it healthier," said He Jian, head of the Huangqiao Sesame Cake Assocation.
Local manufacturer Dongsheng Biotech (Taixing), as a globally renowned manufacturer of TG enzymes, also has dreams related to future food.
"TG enzyme is a green and healthy biological fermentation enzyme preparation, selected through specific bacterial strains and extracted through bio-fermentation. It can effectively improve the texture and taste of food," said Wang Hao, general manager of the company.
The company's operating revenue exceeded 600 million yuan ($83.52 million) in 2024, and nearly 10 percent of its annual revenue will be invested in research and development.
In addition, the Bio-fermentation and Future Food City of China was unveiled in the Taixing Huangqiao EDZ in June 2021, fostering the transformation of local industries towards emerging industries such as bio-fermentation and nutrition and health.