Chongqing- The 9th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industrial Expo opened on October 25 at the Chongqing International Expo Center.

The 9th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industrial Expo. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce)

This year's expo, a premier event for the global hot pot industry, features over 30 professional exchanges, trading activities, and exhibitions to foster international cooperation, industry chain synergy, and robust production-marketing connections. It reinforces Chongqing's role as the world's hot pot capital and an international culinary hub.

The event saw the official launch of the China Representative Office of the World Hotpot Industry Development Association, aiming to unite quality resources and enhance international collaboration within the hot pot industry.

Key recognitions, including the Chongqing Hotpot Super ONE awards, were also presented for influential, innovative, and high-growth brands, spotlighting Chongqing's commitment to innovation in hot pot development.

"This is our ninth year participating, and the expo acts as a vital platform and bridge for the industry. It allows us to witness the thriving growth of our sector and connect with diverse consumer activities," said Yin Yi, Vice President of Liu's Chongqing Hot Pot.

Yin Yi, Vice President of Liu's Chongqing Hot Pot, introduced a new tableware collection inspired by Chongqing's iconic, scenic Hongyadong. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Yin further detailed the brand's global strategy, including a collaboration with the local Peking Duck brand De Xiang Yuan to merge Chongqing hot pot with Peking Duck. The first combined store is set to open in Spain, catering to international enthusiasm for Chinese cuisine.

Expanding on Liu's Chongqing Hot Pot's international presence, Yin highlighted that the brand has 80 outlets in 20 countries, including North America and Europe, such as Italy, France, and Germany. 

In terms of product innovation, Yin announced a new tableware collection inspired by Chongqing's iconic scenic Hongyadong, set to launch globally on December 1. Currently in testing, this design has garnered enthusiastic feedback from overseas customers and aligns well with their preference for set menu options.

Among the new culinary offerings, Yin introduced the "Nine Perfections of Intangible Cultural Heritage," which incorporates Chongqing's intangible cultural heritage agricultural products to enhance consumer experience and promote these unique local products globally, aiding in developing a robust supply chain abroad.

Attendees enjoying a hot pot at the expo. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Hui Chongqing Hot Pot, the title sponsor of this year's expo, also announced significant expansions. Yu Yanan, marketing director of Hui Chongqing Hot Pot, revealed expansion in over 60 cities across China and plans to enter ten international markets, including upcoming locations in Italy and the United States.

This year's expo spans 120,000 square meters and hosts over 2,000 exhibitors showcasing more than 60,000 products. Exhibits span the entire hot pot industry chain, from upstream agricultural and raw ingredients to midstream hot pot supplies and seasonings, and finally, downstream products, including new retail options and support services, highlighting the industry's diverse and thriving ecosystem.

The 9th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industrial Expo. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

A special feature of the expo, the Characteristic Pavilion, brings together regions like Shanxi, Guizhou, and Xi'an to showcase local agricultural specialties and hot pot-related products, fostering collaborative development across China. Additionally, more than 100 industry associations from around the world have organized delegations to explore new business opportunities and partnerships.

The Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce noted that Chongqing's catering revenue, represented by hot pot, rose by 10.4% year-on-year from January to September, outperforming the national average by 4.2 percentage points. To further support this growth, Chongqing will host additional events, such as the 2024 Hot Pot Brand Chain Franchise Conference, continuing to bolster the city's hot pot industry.