Chongqing - Chongqing’s hotpot industry generated 330 billion yuan (about 43 billion U.S. dollars) last year and employs nearly 900,000 people, yet it has produced no listed company, dominant national chain, or globally recognized brand. A new regulation, effective May 1, aims to change that by tightening standards, streamlining the supply chain, and pushing the iconic dish onto the global stage.

A hotpot restaurant in Chongqing where diners can enjoy the city skyline while eating. (Photo/Xiaohongshu)

The new regulation provides a legal definition of "Chongqing hotpot" and sets out measures to regulate production, improve quality, and strengthen branding.

Under the regulation, Chongqing hotpot is defined as a style that originated in the city, uses specific techniques to prepare its soup base, and is characterized by its "numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant" flavor. The definition aims to clarify the dish's identity and prevent the misuse of its name.

The 10th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industrial Expo. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)

Despite its scale, industry representatives say challenges remain. “The industry is large, but issues persist, including insufficient standards, fragmented brands, and uneven quality,” said Chen Guohua, president of the Chongqing Hotpot Industry Association. He added that legislation is needed to guide the sector toward high-quality development and strengthen competitiveness.

The regulation introduces 28 measures covering the entire industry chain, from ingredient production and processing to catering. It encourages the development of industrial clusters and supports research into adapting flavors for different markets. It also calls for the creation of digital platforms for services such as food traceability and inspection—systems that track ingredients to ensure safety.

Standardization is a central focus. The regulation promotes guidelines for ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles, including levels of spiciness and numbing intensity, and introduces a restaurant evaluation system to improve consistency.

Legal oversight will extend across the supply chain. Wang Cheng, chairman of Chongqing Xintian Food Technology Group, said the framework provides greater confidence for expansion. “With full-chain legal protection, we can invest more in research and development and expand globally,” he said. The company’s Xintian Hotpot Oil Dish, a Chongqing time-honored brand, has been certified by Frost & Sullivan as China’s No. 1 hotpot oil dish brand based on nationwide sales from 2022 to 2024.

Yu Zhaohong, chief economist of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, said the policy marks a new stage for the industry. “Chongqing hotpot will achieve more standardized spice levels, richer flavors, and broader global reach,” Yu said.

Authorities also plan to integrate hotpot into tourism and cultural activities, while addressing issues such as misuse of the “Chongqing hotpot” label and unfair pricing practices. Infrastructure plans include smart ingredient-processing facilities, cold-chain logistics systems, and digital platforms to support supply chains.

Brand development and overseas expansion remain priorities. Officials said they will support trademark registration, intellectual property protection, and the opening of overseas outlets, while promoting international events.

Chongqing aims to increase total industry output to 500 billion yuan by 2027 and position itself as a global center for hotpot production, standards, and cultural exchange.