The Development History of China's Canned Food Industry Is An Evolutionary Journey From An Imported Commodity To A Global Industry Leader, Which Can Be Divided into Several Key Stages:

The development history of China's canned food industry is an evolutionary journey from an imported commodity to a global industry leader, which can be divided into several key stages:

Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republic of China: Industry Germination and Early Exploration‌

Canning technology was introduced to China from the West in the late Qing Dynasty, initially used as military supplies. In 1893, Guangzhou saw the birth of China's first cannery, Guangmaoxiang Cannery, with its signature product "Fermented Tuna with Black Beans" becoming an early iconic product. In 1906, Shanghai Taifeng Company established the first modern cannery, followed by the establishment of nearly 30 national enterprises such as Taikang and Meiling, forming an industry pattern primarily focused on military needs and exports. During this period, canned food gradually transitioned from military to civilian markets due to its low cost and long shelf life.

Planned Economy Period: Export-Oriented and Regional Layout‌

From the 1950s to 1970s, China's canned food industry was export-driven, with exports to the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries starting in 1954, and export volume exceeding $100 million in the early 1970s. A distinct regional division of labor emerged during this stage: coastal provinces specialized in fish cans, Shanghai and Sichuan focused on meat cans, Hunan and Hebei excelled in fruit cans, while Shandong and Yunnan specialized in mushroom cans. By the late 1970s, there were 40-50 canneries nationwide, but domestic market access was limited, and ordinary people still considered canned goods a luxury.

Post-Reform and Opening-Up Period: Industrial Expansion and Globalization‌

From the 1980s to 1990s, the canned food industry experienced explosive growth. Exports from 1995 to 2004 accounted for over 45% of the total export volume of the previous 50 years. Through trade models like "barter trade" (e.g., exchanging light industrial products for Soviet aircraft), the global influence of Chinese canned goods significantly increased. Simultaneously, the upstream industry chain deeply integrated with agriculture, with the government promoting the "enterprise + base + farmer" model to establish raw material bases for products like yellow peaches and mushrooms, ensuring supply stability.

21st Century to Present: High-Quality Development and Market Transformation‌

Entering the 21st century, China has maintained its position as the world's largest canned food exporter, with export volume reaching a six-year high in 2022. The industry is now characterized by three major trends:

Intelligent Manufacturing Upgrade‌: Introduction of automated production lines to improve efficiency in sterilization, packaging, and other processes.

Product Innovation‌: Development of healthier products such as low-sugar and functional items, with the edible mushroom can market size projected to exceed 12 billion yuan by 2025.

Channel Diversification‌: The rise of e-commerce and social commerce has driven the integration of domestic and foreign trade.

Today, China's canned food industry has formed a complete system covering raw material cultivation, processing, and global sales, with an annual output exceeding 3 million tons and exports reaching 145 countries and regions. It has become a pillar of the food industry connecting urban and rural areas with the world.