An aerial view of the condiments industry cluster in the Xinghua Economic Development Zone. [Photo provided to etaizhou.gov.cn]
The Xinghua Economic Development Zone – located in Xinghua city in East China's Jiangsu province – is aiming to establish a healthy foods industry cluster, with an investment value of over 20 billion yuan ($2.9 billion), supported by its local condiments manufacturing sector.
Condiments – like salt or ketchup – are preparations added to food, typically after cooking, to impart a specific flavor, to enhance the flavor, or to complement the dish.
Under the guidance of China National Food Industry Association, the city started the establishment of the cluster in 2017, equipping it manufacturing plants with a total floor space of 1 million square meters and over 300 mu (20 hectares) of total service area.
The cluster has already attracted 400 condiments companies, including Kerisom Co Ltd – a butter, cooked pasta and dinner soup sauce manufacturer – which have kick-started the healthy foods cluster.
A member of staff at Kerisom Co Ltd gets to work, wearing protective clothing. [Photo/xinghua.gov.cn]
Taking technology innovation as its core, Kerisom have invested more than 10 million yuan in research and technology over the last three years. That's seen it grow into a market leader in its sector, with annual sales of up to 400 million yuan.
In December, Kerisom will promote its new product frozen fried rice in Xinghua and raw materials – including rice, flour, vegetables and eggs – will all be sourced locally.
The healthy food base established by Xinghua has made great contributions to Chinese food, especially to Huaiyang cuisine – a leading cuisine in Jiangsu province – said Zhou Xiaoyan, a dean from Yangzhou University.
A view of an innovation base for the China healthy foods industry, located in the Xinghua Economic Development Zone. [Photo provided to etaizhou.gov.cn]