County in Shandong develops food processing industry

Qingguji town in Caoxian county has been focused on strengthening its agricultural and food processing industries these past few years, with a particular emphasis on agricultural products and pet food. These efforts have elevated the value chain of specialty agricultural and food products, driving high-quality development across the county.

Building on its advantages in location, transportation, and resources, Caoxian county has prioritized the development of two core industries: pet food production and agricultural and sideline food processing. The county has worked to enhance processing capabilities, expand advanced processing, and improve product variety, quality, and brand recognition. Accelerating this transformation are initiatives such as establishing specialty food industrial parks, fostering food industry clusters, and advancing industrial upgrades..

Leaders in Qingguji town have actively engaged with food processing enterprises to discuss development plans and future strategies. For example, in 2023, Shandong Xianxiang Pet Food Co Ltd invested an additional 150 million yuan ($20.74 million) to increase its annual pet food production capacity to 11,000 metric tons. This investment is for upgrading equipment and building new production lines for dry and wet pet foods.

Caoxian county has also made notable progress in its specialty asparagus industry. By 2024, the East China Asparagus Industrial Park is set to expand to over 66 hectares, with annual sales of asparagus seedlings expected to reach 50 million yuan.

The county is dedicated to creating a first-class business environment by addressing the challenges of enterprises and residents, improving administrative services, streamlining procedures, and fostering a supportive climate for business growth. (Edited by Zhang Ying)