Pork demand opens growth avenues for overseas companies

Imports rising steadily as nation starts sourcing staple from more destinations

"We are a small business hit by global uncertainties. Due to rising meat costs, we are forced to raise prices by 1 yuan (14 cents) per serving. We sincerely apologize for any discomfort caused and promise to bring down the price as soon as costs normalize," reads a sign in a hole-in-the-wall shop selling pot stickers, a breakfast staple, in Shanghai.

Shui Feng Guotie, named after the street it was first located on, has over the past 20 years survived rising labor and rental costs, as well as intense competition from fast food chains and mushrooming convenience stores. But the recent pork price hike might be "unprecedentedly critical" for the business, according to the business owner, a 50-year-old Shanghai native surnamed Song.