MIIT unveils key cultivation list for regional food industries, paving way to lift local economies

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By Chen Qingrui (Global Times) 09:58, June 05, 2025

The MIIT stated that it will continue to prioritize the cultivation of traditional food-producing regions and local specialty food industries. The ministry will guide localities in developing unique industry strengths, fostering a diverse and dynamic food sector, and promoting high-quality growth.

Li emphasized that supporting regional specialty foods will increase their visibility, expand their market reach, and boost consumption. With the growing integration of culture and tourism and rapid cultural industry development, these products hold substantial market potential and room for growth, making them well worth continued exploration and cultivation.

In April, the MIIT announced the first items on China's signature consumer goods list, urging local governments to enhance promotion of leading enterprises, increase policy support, and accelerate the development of distinctive industries and premium brands.

The list includes 93 enterprise brands and 43 regional brands. The enterprise brands cover sectors including food, light industry, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Li noted that the newly released lists are more focused, primarily targeting traditional food-producing regions and local specialty food industries, emphasizing the distinct advantages and unique characteristics of different regions within the food sector.

"While the two lists have different objectives, they are complementary, and they collectively contribute to the development of a more comprehensive framework for guiding industry growth," Li added.

There are more than 450 specialty food production regions in China, with the industry valued at more than 2.5 trillion yuan ($347.75 billion), China Media Group reported on Wednesday. The country is now the world's largest food industry market, with a total industry size of about 9.8 trillion yuan.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)