To unite industry leaders and experts, explore innovative pathways for the food sector, enhance financial empowerment, and drive sustainable growth, Quanzhou hosted the "Citong Gatherings & Maritime Heritage Feast" Food Industry Exchange Event on May 24. Co-organized by the Talent Work Leadership Office of the Quanzhou Municipal Party Committee, the Quanzhou Local Financial Supervision Administration, Quanzhou Industrial Equity Investment Fund Co., Ltd., and China Merchants Bank, the event highlighted the city's pivotal role in China's food industry.

　　Quanzhou, known as a key national hub for snack food production, is home to renowned enterprises such as Dali, Panpan, and Anji. The city's food industry, which has evolved from traditional workshops to advanced manufacturing, boasts a diversified ecosystem with an annual output exceeding 100 billion yuan. Prominent regions under Quanzhou's jurisdiction include Jinjiang, recognized as a "Strong City in the Food Industry" and "China's Snack Food Export Processing Base," Hui'an County, a "National Strong County in the Food Industry," and Nan'an, known as "China's Grain City."

　　The event showcased Quanzhou's financial sector's crucial role in supporting the food industry through policy-driven financial products and supply chain financing, with the sector amassing a cumulative loan balance of 28.9 billion yuan. Industry experts and representatives engaged in discussions on critical topics such as economic cycles, global expansion, and new retail transformation. The exchange underscored Quanzhou's position as a leader in innovation, globalization, and talent development within China's food industry.

　　The food industry has been a cornerstone of Quanzhou's economy, evolving from small traditional workshops to advanced modern production methods. Today, Quanzhou stands as a key national hub for snack food production and is home to leading enterprises like Dali, Panpan, and Anji. The city boasts a diversified industrial ecosystem with an impressive annual output value exceeding 100 billion yuan. Jinjiang, a county-level city under Quanzhou's jurisdiction, has earned national recognition as a "Strong City in the Food Industry" and "China's Snack Food Export Processing Base." Hui'an County is celebrated as a "National Strong County in the Food Industry," while Nan'an is known as "China's Grain City," serving as a vital grain and oil distribution hub in Fujian Province and beyond.

　　Xu Yue, Deputy Secretary of the Party Group and Director of the Quanzhou Local Financial Supervision Administration, delivering a keynote speech (Photo courtesy of the organizers).

　　In his remarks, Xu Yue, Director of the Quanzhou Local Financial Supervision Administration, highlighted the pivotal role of Quanzhou's financial sector in driving the sustainable development of the food industry. He noted that financial institutions across the region have provided substantial support through innovative policy-driven financial products and supply chain financing.

　　Industry experts and participants during the exchange session (Photo by Zeng Yong).

　　The event also featured insightful presentations and discussions led by industry experts, focusing on topics such as:

　　"Opportunities for Consumer Goods Companies to Navigate Economic Cycles"

　　"Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry and Online Marketing Strategies"

　　"Emerging Trends in Global Expansion for the Food Industry"

　　"Strategic Overseas Planning and Talent Integration in the New Era"

　　"New Retail Transformation Opportunities in the Food Industry"

　　The exchange served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration and idea-sharing, while also showcasing Quanzhou's thriving food industry and its commitment to innovation, globalization, and talent development. By bridging tradition with modernity and strengthening global connections, the "Citong Gatherings & Maritime Heritage Feast" underscored Quanzhou's position as a leader in China's food industry on the international stage.