In Guangdong's emerging pre-prepared food industry, there have been more and more food companies keen to enter this new hot spot, including the world-renowned CP Group from Thailand.
Having putting down roots in China for more than 40 years, the Group has been a major player of modern agriculture in Guangdong, where it has developed a complete farm-to-table animal breeding and processing chain specially for chickens and pigs in Zhanjiang, a coastal city located in the west part of the province.
"Eat in Guangdong", a stepping stone for greater market access
Currently, CP Group's broiler project based in Zhanjiang has an estimated slaughter capacity of 30 million white feather broiler chickens per year, from which over 100 different kinds of pre-cooked dishes have been made and brought to market.
"Guangdong has been known as a popular place for gourmets. And Zhanjiang is abundant in seafood, fruits, vegetables, medicines, etc. These offer a rich raw material source of pre-prepared meals", said a spokesperson of the CP Food (Zhanjiang) Co., Ltd.
Technological breakthrough is another advantage, according to the company. As the province is transforming itself into a technology-driven economy, a diverse ecosystem created by government, research institutions and enterprises has been built up in the fields of central kitchen construction, dish development and food safety.
"Through projects targeting technological support, food safety and equipment, the province has greatly enhanced its cold chain storage and transportation technology, forming a meticulous technical system."
"Ten measures", a helping hand to facilitate sustainable development
In March, Guangdong issued a set of ten supporting measures covering talent cultivation, safety supervision, industrial cluster, branding and financing to boost high quality development of local pre-prepared food industry. To CP Food (Zhanjiang), they are a timely support for such a new industry and companies involved.
Talent cultivation is one of the policy boons that the firm believes they will benefit from. "As stated in the measures, Guangdong will incorporate the cultivation of talents of pre-prepared dishes into the government-led Cantonese cuisine chef training programme. It means that enterprises will be able to work with chef schools and universities, thus nurturing more talent for food R&D."
Another policy priority that will bestow favors, in the company's view, is the provincial objective to expand pre-prepared food's international trade and exchanges particularly by seizing opportunities stemming from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that came into force in January this year.
"There will be professional teams to guide us in food exports, according to the measures. We can also enjoy more convenience in the importation of raw materials and the export of final products. In other words, it will help keep our cost down."
Looking ahead to the future of RCEP, the company also sees its vital role in furthering multilateral trade between Guangdong and Thailand, even Southeast Asia. “We can not only introduce Guangdong's agricultural products to other RCEP member countries, but also bring in Southeast Asia's high-quality products to China to meet the needs of domestic markets."
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