The 2024 China·Kaili Sour Soup Industry Development Conference commenced on September 22nd, bringing together leaders from the China Cuisine Association, representatives from various food industries, and chefs specializing in different culinary traditions. The event, held in Kaili, Qiandongnan, aimed to explore new cooperation opportunities and strengthen the region’s economic development, all centred around the historic and culturally significant Kaili sour soup.
A Thousand-Year Tradition Meets Modern Growth
Kaili sour soup, an iconic dish from southwest China’s Qiandongnan region, boasts a history spanning more than a thousand years. In recent years, Kaili’s sour soup industry has seen significant expansion, driven by favourable government policies and advancements in technology. By 2023, Kaili’s sour soup industry contributed to 35% of the total sour soup production across the prefecture, highlighting its central role in the region’s food sector.
The agricultural base for sour soup ingredients in Kaili and neighbouring areas covers an impressive 16,474 acres, reflecting the industry’s scale. Additionally, Kaili boasts 65 registered trademarks related to sour soup and offers 137 varieties of sour soup products. These developments have drawn interest from multiple businesses and investors eager to explore opportunities in this thriving market.
New Partnerships Drive Industry Expansion
During the opening ceremony, hosted by the Bureau of Industry and Information Technology of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, 25 companies signed cooperation agreements, totalling an investment of 1.6 billion yuan. The investments span several key areas, including research and development, and market expansion, signalling a significant injection of capital and innovation into Kaili’s sour soup sector.
One of the companies participating in the conference, Fanjia Foods (Qingdao) Co., Ltd., expressed its intentions to deepen its ties with Kaili. “We are planning to establish a research and development project here, as Kaili is the home of sour soup,” said Sun Hongchun, the company’s legal representative. This project will allow us to diversify our product offerings and enhance the promotion of Kaili sour soup via our distribution networks.
Official Launch of the Kaili Sour Soup Development Platform
A major highlight of the event was the Opening Ceremony of the China Kaili Sour Soup Industry Development Co-construction Base. This new platform will help standardize and scale the production of Kaili sour soup, further supporting its branding and market presence. The initiative is seen as an important step in positioning Kaili as a national leader in sour soup cuisine.
The development platform, supported by collaborative research and standardized practices, is expected to elevate the quality and reach of sour soup products. This ensures Kaili sour soup remains a competitive and prominent force in both domestic and international markets.
Cultural Events and Competitions
The conference also celebrated the cultural richness of Kaili through a variety of activities. An ethnic parade and the National Competition for the Application of Kaili Sour Soup in Cultural Tourism Cuisine were key events, drawing attention to the deep-rooted cultural ties associated with the dish.
The participants have come from all over the nation to compete, showcasing their culinary expertise by crafting dishes that emphasise the unique flavours of Kaili sour soup, stated Li Xingguang, the lead judge of the competition. The event not only showcased culinary talent but also emphasized the versatility of Kaili sour soup in various cuisines, reinforcing its appeal to both traditional and modern palates.
Boosting Economic Development in Qiandongnan
As a platform for exchange and collaboration, the 2024 China Kaili Sour Soup Industry Development Conference underscored the importance of connecting industry with commerce. By leveraging market-driven growth, the conference has significantly enhanced the development of the Kaili sour soup brand, positioning it as a symbol of Qiandongnan’s economic resilience.
The industrial, regional, and cultural attributes of Kaili sour soup have become a focal point for promoting high-quality economic development in the region. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, the conference has set the stage for Kaili’s sour soup industry to continue growing as a national culinary and economic powerhouse.
