A quiet revolution is unfolding in global food markets as Chinese companies transform home-style cooking into international business opportunities. While domestic opinions remain divided on prepared meals, Chinese exporters have identified substantial potential in overseas markets, demonstrating the sector's industrial upgrade, precise market positioning, and global strategic deployment.
Export Growth: The Data Behind the Boom
Prepared meals, offering convenience and efficiency, are gaining popularity worldwide. China's prepared meal industry is experiencing rapid expansion, with particularly notable export growth:
- Export surge: Zibo city exported ¥25.247 million worth of prepared meals to South Korea in just the first seven months of 2024.
- Market expansion: Industry analysts project China's prepared meal market will exceed ¥518 billion in 2024, with 15.3% annual growth and 23% export growth.
- Global potential: The global ready-to-eat food market reached $143.86 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow to $225.28 billion by 2030, with Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing region.
Success Stories: Zibo's South Korean Market Breakthrough
Zibo's success in South Korea stems from precise market positioning and product innovation:
- Shandong Kele Food addressed South Korean consumers' dissatisfaction with traditional bracken products by developing ready-to-eat seasoned bracken with improved texture and shelf life.
- Shandong Shanzhenyuan tapped into overseas Chinese nostalgia by exporting traditional rural dishes like boiled tribute vegetables and sweet potato stems.
Integrated Supply Chains: The Foundation for Export Success
The prepared meal export boom relies on comprehensive supply chain development:
- Over 20 industrial parks established in Guangdong, Shandong, and Sichuan
- Advanced cold chain logistics ensuring product freshness
- Companies like Qingdao Shengjia Food investing ¥180 million to develop complete "farm-to-port" operations
Location Advantages and Cost Control
Proximity to ports provides significant advantages. Shengjia Food's Qingdao location reduces cold chain costs by 22% compared to inland factories, with shipments to Busan taking just 459 nautical miles and Japan-bound potatoes arriving within 72 hours.
Localization: Key to International Expansion
Successful exporters adapt products to local tastes. Shengjia Food developed thicker-cut (15mm×15mm) fries with coconut milk powder and pandan leaf flavoring for Southeast Asian markets.
The Middle East: A New Frontier
The Middle East represents a strategic growth market with annual food imports worth $38 billion. Notable developments include:
- 18% growth in China-UAE agricultural exports in 2024
- 35% of exports now comprising premium processed foods
- Over 20 Chinese companies obtaining Halal certification
Technology and Innovation: Future Directions
Emerging technologies are shaping the industry's future:
- Cultured meat technology reducing production costs
- 3D printing enabling customized nutrition
- Health-focused products gaining market share
Challenges and Risks
Exporters face several obstacles:
- Food safety compliance with international standards
- Navigating diverse import regulations
- Intensifying global competition
- Cultural adaptation requirements
Conclusion
China's prepared meal exports are entering a golden period of development. Companies must leverage market research, supply chain integration, technological innovation, and brand building to capitalize on global opportunities while addressing sector challenges.