Chongqing - Zhang Yongwu, director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, recently unveiled ambitious plans to boost the city's hot pot industry. By 2027, Chongqing aims for a sector output of 500 billion yuan (USD 69.5 billion), with the ultimate goal by 2035 to establish Chongqing as the global hot pot capital.

The strategy involves building a top-tier supply base for hot pot ingredients. Chongqing currently has 886 bases for raw and auxiliary ingredients, including 706 solely for hot pot materials. The city plans to elevate these bases' standards, scale, and sustainability, prioritizing green and organic agricultural products with specific geographical indications.

Chongqing's Hechuan District stands as a prime example, spearheading the processing of hot pot ingredients. Last year, the district witnessed a significant surge in its food and agricultural product processing output, reaching 13.6 billion yuan, a 19.3% increase. 

This growth aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the hot pot ingredient supply chain, highlighted by establishing a trading market and launching a New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) cross-border highway shuttle route to streamline trade and production.

Qijiang District is also advancing and concentrating on improving the production of hot pot seasonings, ingredients, and beverages. The district aims to cultivate 70,000 mu of chili peppers and 35,000 mu of Sichuan peppercorns to strengthen the industry chain.

As of 2023, Chongqing's hot pot industry is flourishing, boasting 17,700 enterprises and 37,000 stores. This sector contributes substantially to the city's food and beverage earnings.

Chen Guohua, president of the Chongqing Hotpot Association, aims to obtain a geographic trademark and national intangible cultural heritage status to boost Chongqing hotpot's reputation. This effort seeks to safeguard the vibrant hotpot culture and increase its recognition nationally and internationally.

In line with this goal, Li Dejian, chairman of Chongqing Dezhuang Industrial (Group) Co., emphasized the significance of cultural innovation. Last year, Dezhuang introduced the Big Hot Pot Manor, meeting consumers' demand for cultural immersion and social experiences. Featuring hot pot culture exhibits and interactive activities, the park aims to become a Chongqing hot pot culture icon.

Hot pot's popularity is soaring in China, with a 31% rise in nationwide hot pot restaurants, as reported by Meituan. Meituan's Senior Manager of Government Affairs, Li Ning, revealed plans to invest millions in subsidizing 1,500 hot pot merchants in Chongqing. This initiative aims to stimulate consumer participation through discounts and vouchers, fostering further industry growth.