More than 600 representatives from across China’s catering sector gathered in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, for the 19th China Catering Industry Development Conference, held from 15 to 16 June 2026.
Organized by the China Cuisine Association (CCA), a Worldchefs national member, the conference brought together government authorities, industry associations, leading catering enterprises, supply chain companies, educational institutions, and media organizations to discuss the future development of China’s catering industry.
Under the theme “Strengthening Domestic Demand through Catering Development and Improving People’s Livelihood through Quality Enhancement,” the conference focused on the high-quality development of China’s catering industry and explored new pathways for innovation, digital transformation, cultural communication, and sustainable growth.
At the opening ceremony, Yang Liu, President of the China Cuisine Association, released the annual report “Expanding Capacity, Enhancing Quality, and Moving Forward through Innovation – Analysis of China’s Catering Industry in 2025 and Outlook for 2026.” The report highlighted that China’s catering industry has entered a new stage driven by quality, efficiency, and value creation rather than scale expansion.
Distinguished speakers from the Ministry of Commerce of China, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Commerce, the China General Chamber of Commerce, and the Taizhou Municipal Government discussed industry trends, consumption recovery, service-sector innovation, and the role of catering in stimulating domestic demand. Taizhou’s growing position as a culinary destination was also highlighted, as the city advances its application to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, supported by over 60,000 catering businesses and a food industry value chain exceeding RMB 60 billion.
A series of keynote presentations addressed topics such as artificial intelligence, platform economy development, food safety management, and consumer behavior. Experts from academia, industry research institutes, and leading technology platforms shared insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of hospitality and food service. The nationwide public welfare initiative “China Catering Industry Against Food Waste Action” was also launched during the conference, reaffirming the industry’s commitment to sustainability, responsible consumption, and green development.
AI Empowerment Marks New Milestone
A major highlight of the conference was the establishment of the CCA Artificial Intelligence + Catering Working Committee, marking a significant step in the digital transformation of China’s catering sector.
The committee aims to develop industry standards for AI applications, promote AI talent cultivation, accelerate technology adoption across restaurant operations and supply chains, and foster innovative business models driven by intelligent technologies.
During the meeting, CCA also released a national research report on artificial intelligence adoption in the catering industry based on 2,446 valid survey responses, providing valuable guidance for future digital transformation initiatives.
Strengthening Cultural Communication through Gastronomy
The conference also witnessed the establishment of the CCA Food Culture Communication Working Committee, reflecting the industry’s growing emphasis on cultural storytelling, brand building, and international communication.
The committee brings together media professionals, culinary experts, cultural scholars, tourism representatives, and content creators to promote Chinese food culture through innovative communication channels and international cooperation.
During the inaugural Food Culture Communication Dialogue, participants explored culinary storytelling and cultural heritage, food tourism integration, youth engagement and culinary innovation, and the international communication of Chinese cuisine.
The event concluded with the launch of the CCA Food Culture Communication Matrix, a collaborative platform dedicated to enhancing the global visibility and influence of Chinese culinary culture.
On 16 June, the “Food Power on Screen, Taste Shared Worldwide” dialogue was held in Taizhou, along with the launch of a China Cuisine Association food communication committee and platform. The event explored how cuisine connects with culture, art, and sports, emphasizing storytelling as a tool to globalize regional Chinese food.
Industry Collaboration and Sustainable Development
The conference also launched the nationwide public welfare initiative “China Catering Industry Against Food Waste Action,” reaffirming the industry’s commitment to sustainability, responsible consumption, and green development.
Several specialized industry forums were held alongside the conference, including the 2026 Catering Entrepreneurs Conference and the 2026 Catering Brand Conference. Business leaders discussed quality development, brand innovation, international expansion, supply chain modernization, and AI-driven business transformation.
In addition, the CCA Rural Banquet and Catering Services Committee was formally established, aiming to standardize and modernize China’s rapidly growing rural banquet and off-premise catering sector while strengthening food safety and industry professionalism.
Looking Ahead
The 19th China Catering Industry Development Conference demonstrated the Chinese catering industry’s determination to embrace innovation, digital intelligence, cultural confidence, and sustainable development.
As China’s catering industry continues to evolve, the China Cuisine Association remains committed to promoting international exchange, advancing industry standards, fostering innovation, and sharing the richness of Chinese culinary culture with the world.
