The Xinghua Economic Development Zone, located in Xinghua in East China's Jiangsu province, has transformed into a thriving hub for the food industry.
The zone's journey began in 1995 when Xinghua Dingkang Food Technology, which specializes in dehydrated vegetable processing, chose Xinghua for its abundant agricultural resources, particularly its aromatic scallions. It became the first enterprise to establish operations in the zone.
Initially supported by the local government with infrastructure like a 200-meter cement road to facilitate production, the company now boasts a massive 50,000-square-meter plant with smart production lines, generating sales revenue of 400 million yuan ($59.4 million) in 2025.
The success of Dingkang Food prompted the zone to make the healthy food sector a strategic focus, attracting and nurturing other industry leaders such as Wudeli Flour Mill Group and Anjoy Foods Group.
Wudeli, which arrived in 2008, has since expanded its operations to process 7,000 metric tons of wheat daily, accounting for 24 percent of the national market share. Anjoy Foods, a leading frozen food company, was drawn to Xinghua by the proactive efforts of local officials who provided unparalleled support during the company's expansion phase.
In 2018, Jideli Food, a multi-brand condiment producer for diverse consumer segments, established operations in the zone due to its well-developed industrial chain and professional, attentive services.
The food products of Jiangsu Jideli Food. [Photo/Taizhou Daily]
The zone has also fostered innovation and growth in other sectors, including smart manufacturing. Companies like Jiangsu Xinglida Gear, a specialized manufacturer of gears, and Jiangsu Baoxiang Intelligent Technology, specializing in the integration of intelligent logistics conveying and sorting systems, have evolved from small workshops to major players in their respective industries, thanks to the zone's comprehensive support system. This includes assistance with funding, talent recruitment, and logistics.
The zone now serves as a national model for agricultural industrialization and innovation. With its robust support for businesses, it generated an industrial sales revenue of 26 billion yuan in 2025.
As it continues to nurture its enterprises, the zone is poised for further growth, contributing significantly to the economic prosperity in the region.