Food expo opens in Yishui to boost local industry

Visitors browse and sample regional delicacies on display at the exhibition hall. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The fourth Shandong (Yishui) Food Expo kicked off on Aug 9 in Yishui county, Linyi, Shandong province, and will run for three days. The first day was reserved for professional buyers, while the expo is open to the public on Aug 10 and 11. Over 500 exhibitors are participating, showcasing products across six exhibition zones and eight food categories.

Food processing is the backbone of Yishui's local economy, with a history spanning more than four decades. The county now houses more than 700 food processing enterprises, employing over 50,000 people and producing more than 6 million metric ton of processed food annually.

Its product portfolio covers 29 major categories and over 1,000 varieties, with several items — including starch sugar, sachima, soy milk powder, and enzyme preparations — ranking as national market leaders in their respective segments.

Sachima is a sweet snack in Chinese cuisine made of fluffy strands of fried batter bound together with a stiff sugar.

In recent years, the county has shifted toward brand-driven development. It launched "Yimeng Moshang Huakai", a regional public brand for local food products, initially featuring 32 signature items. The brand now operates across both online and offline channels, offering a distinctive consumer experience that promises "a taste of Yimeng in every box".

To support this transformation, Yishui has rolled out a series of business-friendly policies and improved industrial infrastructure, aiming to create a fertile ground for domestic and international investors seeking long-term partnerships and shared growth.

Editor：韩蒙蒙