Trade promotion officials launch research on intl catering brands

People stream in to check out one of Guiyang's many commercial areas. [Photo/swj.guiyang.gov.cn]

Trade promotions officials in the city of Guiyang – capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province – have reportedly launched research into international catering brands operating in town, to see what makes them tick and how they can be helped.

In a bid to learn about international tastes in Guiyang's restaurant and catering market – and promote more international catering brands to set up stores in the city – the Guiyang Sub-Council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade sent out a research team.

The team, led by Zheng Xuke – vice chairman of the sub-council – was briefed to exchange opinions with interested and related companies and government departments.

Chinese cuisine is currently dominating the Guiyang catering scene by far, with the Western cuisine only taking up a small proportion of total market share.

Given that during the past two years the adverse effect of COVID-19 is still being felt in the dining sector, it appears to be more difficult for international catering brands to enter the local market – a factor which is reportedly weighing on considerations about future trade promotions of affordable international food and beverage chain-store brands.

While doing research on pedestrian streets on Qingyun Road, team members listened to the explanations of officials on their overall business layout and future plans, including introducing a series of foreign festivals and sports events, such as the Southeast Asian Cuisine & Culture Festival.

Plans are for Guiyang to also renovate old business areas – in the hope that brand-new businesses that integrate dining, entertainment, culture and design and retailing will emerge and thrive .

The hope is that these will meet the consumption preferences of the younger generation.

A staff member from a local banquet catering service provider said that Guiyang's demand for high-end business banquets and family banquets was on the rise – and that the company was willing to learn from international catering brands and discuss practical cooperation.

It is understood that the Guiyang sub-council will make full use of existing global trade match-up platforms and approaches to prepare for possible international collaborations in catering.