China's catering consumption thrives

Diners enjoy food at a restaurant in a shopping mall in New Century Square, Handan, Hebei province, on Jan 24. （Hu Gaolei/China Daily）

The latest data reveals that in 2023, China's catering revenue surpassed 5 trillion yuan for the first time, reaching a historical peak.

Food options are increasingly enriched, ranging from baking, tea beverages, low-fat dining, pre-made meals, etc. Catering development integrates with tourism, performances, and cultural products. In this ever-evolving market, persistent innovation gave birth to diverse industrial formats, intelligent services, and health-focused foods.

Some 4.1 million catering businesses registered in China in 2023, with private ones accounting for over 80%. According to reports, about one job opportunity will be created for each 10 square meters of restaurant space. Currently, there are nearly 30 million practitioners in China's catering industry.

In 2023, the catering industry generated nearly 2 trillion yuan of revenue for agriculture, sideline-product making and processing, promoting Chinese economic recovery.

China's vibrant food culture reflects the people's zest for life. Each meal, whether a classic Chinese delicacy or an innovative cuisine, has grown in popularity and boosted food consumption.

Source: Guangming Net; trans-editing by Guo Yao