The Chinese canned food has an excellent reputation in the European and American markets, with exports reaching 3.125 million tons in 2022, reaching a new high in nearly six years, with exports reaching 6.89 billion US dollars (approximately RMB 47.3 billion).
Among the top ten countries in global canned food consumption, Europe accounts for seven, Sweden ranks first, with an annual per capita consumption of 33.4 kilograms. The annual per capita consumption of the UK, Portugal, France, Belgium, and the United States is 21-23 kilograms. In contrast, China's per capita annual consumption of traditional canned goods is only about 5.5 kilograms.
The export of canned oranges from China remains at a level of over 250000 tons annually, exceeding half of the global total export volume of canned oranges. Meanwhile, canned asparagus exports from China account for 70% of global exports. Braised pork belly and canned dace are unique products in China. Entering 2023, inflation in some countries remains high, local food prices have significantly increased, and canned food exports from China are selling well in many overseas countries, with export volumes continuing to grow.
According to the statistics of the China Canning Industry Association, the export volume of canned goods in China increased by 12% year-on-year in 2022, reaching 3.125 million tons, and the export volume increased by 22% year-on-year, reaching 6.89 billion US dollars. This is a new high in both export volume and export value in recent years.
Sun Baiyu, a staff member of a food trade enterprise in Shenzhen, Guangdong, stated that the export volume last year was 500 containers, and there has been a significant increase in the first quarter of this year. It is expected that the growth volume this year can reach around 20%. Meanwhile, canned food production enterprises are also very busy. Li Zhongbin, the general manager of a food enterprise in Jiangmen, Guangdong, stated that they have been producing canned vegetables since 2004. Since July and August of last year, the market situation has significantly improved, and the company's shipments of canned mushrooms and seafood have increased significantly. Nowadays, the monthly order volume has basically increased by 10%, and the frequency of placing orders has also increased.
Canned tomatoes have become a popular food for export. After a food production enterprise in Dongguan, Guangdong launched its first canned tomatoes at the end of last year, many traders came to negotiate and hope to sell the products overseas.
Why has canned food become a trade choice? "Said Chen Junxing, Chairman of Zhangzhou Chenzi Trading Co., Ltd." In foreign countries, canned food is a high-frequency household daily consumer product that generally accounts for 20% to 30% of consumer shopping carts. "This is the" inspiration "for his trade choices.
Compared to the domestic market, canned food is still a common choice in Europe and America. According to data from the China Canning Industry Association, the per capita annual consumption of traditional canned goods in China is around 5.5 kilograms. Among the top ten countries in global canned food consumption, Europe accounts for 7, Sweden ranks first, with an annual per capita consumption of 33.4 kilograms, while the UK, Portugal, France, Belgium, and the United States account for 21-23 kilograms. This also explains why every household in Europe and America has a canning knife.
In fact, canned food was originally an imported product symbolizing high-end consumption in China. In the 1950s, China's canned goods were exported for the first time, starting with a small number of canned fruits, and the variety and quantity increased year by year. At present, China is the world's leading producer and exporter of canned goods, accounting for about 1/4 of global production and exporting products to nearly 200 countries and regions worldwide.
Although canned food is a traditional food processing industry, it is one of the earliest industries in China to be in line with international standards, and has long been export-oriented. It has played an important role in generating foreign exchange income and stabilizing foreign trade today, "said Liu Youqian, Chairman of the China Canning Industry Association.
Zhejiang Taizhou Yican Food Co., Ltd. is a "time-honored brand" among fruit canned enterprises. More than 90% of the company's canned products such as oranges, peaches, and loquats are exported, with developed countries and regions such as Japan, the United States, and Western Europe being the main markets. Since the epidemic, exports of various categories and regions have increased and decreased, but the overall trend has remained stable, with annual exports reaching 90 million US dollars, "said Huang Hongge, the company's general manager.
Canned oranges are a "star" item on China's canned export list. The global export volume of canned oranges is approximately 350000-400000 tons, while China's export volume remains above 250000 tons annually. Huang Hongge introduced: "With the advantages of raw materials and production and processing brought by the development of the citrus industry, Chinese enterprises have quickly stood out among global competitors.
”In recent years, the Chinese canned food industry has faced challenges such as rising labor and material costs, as well as intensified competition from other packaged foods. However, the industry remains an important participant in the global market and constantly innovates and adapts to changing consumer preferences.
One innovation is the development of "smart cans", which use technologies such as QR codes and NFC chips to provide consumers with information about the product, including its source, nutritional composition, and expiration date. This not only helps to establish consumer trust and confidence, but also enables companies to track their products throughout the entire supply chain and prevent food fraud. Another trend in the canned food industry is the increasing demand for organic and natural products. This has led to the development of new products, such as organic vegetables and canned fruits, as well as low salt and low sugar canned snacks