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China - largest consumers and producers of food ingredients
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Saturday, 27 May, 2023, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Venkatesh Ganapathy
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Food ingredients are substances added to food products to improve taste, texture and appearance and achieve specific technical or functional goals during production, storage or packaging. Food ingredients improve safety and freshness while still maintaining the nutritive value of food.
The food and beverages industry in China is a vast and rapidly growing sector that plays a crucial role in the country's economy. China has a rich culinary tradition and a large population with diverse tastes, which has contributed to the development of a thriving food and beverage market. China's food and beverage industry encompasses a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, fast food chains, cafes, bars, food processing companies, and beverage manufacturers.
With the growth of the middle class and urbanisation, Chinese consumers have become more discerning and health-conscious. There is an increasing demand for higher quality and safer food products. Organic, natural, and healthy food options have gained popularity, as have international cuisines and flavours. Convenience and ready-to-eat meals are also in high demand due to busy lifestyles.
With around 1.4 billion consumers, coupled with increasing demand for quicker and safer food, China’s thriving food industry shows no signs of slowing down. The government has implemented stricter regulations and inspections to address food safety concerns. Consumers are increasingly seeking products with traceable origins and reliable certifications to ensure their safety. China is one of the largest consumers and producers of food ingredients globally. The market includes various types of ingredients such as additives, flavours, sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, colours, and functional ingredients used in food and beverage processing.
Factors driving the growth of the food ingredients market in China include changing consumer preferences, increased demand for processed foods, expanding food and beverage manufacturing sector, and advancements in food technology. Additionally, the government's focus on food safety and quality has led to stricter regulations and a greater emphasis on using high-quality ingredients.
Local Chinese companies, as well as multinational ingredient suppliers, are active in the market, providing a wide range of products to meet the diverse needs of the food industry.
Type
of food ingredient
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Market
size of food ingredients in China
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Functional
ingredients like Dietary Fibres, Omega-3 fatty acids and
probiotics
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US$1.7
billion
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Sweeteners/
sugar substitutes (high intensity sweeteners and natural
sweeteners)
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US$2.2
billion
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Flavours
and food fragrances
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US$6.8
billion
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Food
additives
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US$16.9
billion
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As per research reports, 73% of Chinese consumers are willing to pay more for health ingredients and supplements. China is the world’s fourth-largest retail market for organic food and beverages, which shows enormous potential for growth. Demand for international health supplements remains high – over 50% of surveyed Chinese consumers had purchased imported nutrition supplements.
Food Ingredients Industry in China
The history of the food ingredients industry in China is deeply intertwined with the country's rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage. Over thousands of years, Chinese cuisine has evolved, incorporating a diverse array of ingredients and flavours. Ingredients like soybeans, rice, wheat, and tea have been staples of the Chinese diet for centuries. These foundational ingredients formed the basis for the early food industry, providing essential elements for cooking and flavouring dishes.
The imperial Chinese kitchens employed chefs and food scientists who experimented with different ingredients, seasonings, and cooking techniques. This led to the emergence of new ingredients and flavours that would shape Chinese cuisine.
Growth of international trade and cultural exchange expanded the food ingredients industry in China further. Foreign ingredients and culinary influences, such as spices, fruits, and vegetables, were introduced to China via the Silk Road and maritime trade routes. This exchange led to the integration of foreign flavours and ingredients into Chinese cuisine, enriching the repertoire of food ingredients available.
The establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 led to a period of central planning and state-controlled food production. During this time, the government invested in food research and development, leading to advancements in food processing, preservation, and ingredient production.The history of the food ingredients industry in China reflects a rich tapestry of culinary traditions, cultural influences, and technological advancements.
Unique Aspects of Chinese Food Ingredients Market
The sheer size of the Chinese market creates immense opportunities for food ingredient manufacturers and suppliers to cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of a large consumer base. China has a rich culinary heritage with a wide range of regional cuisines and flavours. This diversity extends to the ingredients used in Chinese cuisine, which vary significantly across different provinces and cities. The food ingredients industry in China benefits from this culinary diversity by supplying a broad range of ingredients that cater to the unique requirements of various regional cuisines.
Natural herbs and ingredients are used in traditional Chinese medicine. These have a strong influence on the food ingredients industry in China. Traditional ingredients, such as herbs, roots, and fungi, are utilised for their perceived medicinal properties and incorporated into food and beverage products.
Focus on rigorous regulations and standards, promoting greater scrutiny of food ingredients and their sourcing has deflected the attention towards manufacture and sale of ingredients that are safe and healthy. The industry has responded positively by investing in quality control measures and certifications to meet these stringent requirements.
China has a thriving e-commerce ecosystem, with online platforms playing a crucial role in the food ingredients industry. E-commerce platforms provide easy access to a wide range of ingredients for both businesses and consumers. These unique aspects make the food ingredients industry in China a dynamic and exciting market, offering opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and meeting the evolving needs of Chinese consumers.
Future of Food Ingredients Market in China
Chinese consumers are becoming more health-conscious and demanding higher quality, natural, and functional food products. There is a growing interest in clean label ingredients, plant-based alternatives, organic ingredients, and products with specific health benefits. This trend is expected to drive the demand for innovative and healthier food ingredients. Increase in disposable incomes has resulted in higher spending on food and beverages, including premium and value-added products. The Chinese government has been actively promoting food safety and quality. Stricter regulations and standards are being implemented to ensure the safety and traceability of food ingredients. This creates opportunities for ingredient suppliers who can meet these stringent requirements and provide transparent and certified ingredients.
Advances in food processing, preservation techniques, and ingredient formulations are driving the demand for new and improved food ingredients. There is a growing focus on functional ingredients, such as probiotics, antioxidants, and natural food colours, which offer health benefits and meet consumer preferences. Ingredient suppliers that prioritise sustainability and offer traceable and responsibly sourced ingredients are likely to gain a competitive edge.
China is an active player in international trade, both as an importer and exporter of food ingredients. The country has been expanding its global collaborations and partnerships in the food industry, which opens up opportunities for ingredient manufacturers and suppliers. International ingredient suppliers can tap into the Chinese market, while Chinese companies can access a wider range of ingredients from global sources.
Today, the food ingredients industry in China is characterised by a wide range of products, including additives, flavours, sweeteners, and functional ingredients. Meeting evolving consumer preferences, complying with regulations, and embracing technological advancements will be crucial for ingredient suppliers to thrive in this dynamic market.
(The author is associate professor [marketing]
at Presidency Business School, Bengaluru)
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