2.5元/斤！凌晨开工，杭州老板忙到飞起！有人一口气就买几百斤

Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing popularity and demand for Xiaoshan rice cakes, particularly during the year-end festive season, with local processing factories entering their busiest period [4][6][17]. Group 1: Production and Processing - Xiaoshan rice cakes come in two main shapes: long strips made by machines and round shapes made by hand, often used for gifting or rituals [4]. - The processing factory "Honggen Pastry" consumes nearly 40 tons of rice annually, sourcing high-quality rice from Northeast China to ensure product quality [6]. - The processing fee for rice cakes is 1.2 yuan per pound for rice cakes and 1.5 yuan per pound for corn cakes [6]. - The peak production period occurs in January, leading up to the Spring Festival, where production can reach over a thousand pounds daily [6][9]. Group 2: Sales and Distribution - "Honggen Pastry" has expanded its customer base beyond local residents, receiving orders from as far as Ningxia, with some customers traveling three hours by bus to purchase rice cakes [14][17]. - The retail prices for rice cakes are affordable, with glutinous rice cakes priced at 2.5 yuan per pound and specialty cakes like pumpkin and dragon fruit cakes at 6 yuan per pound [11]. - The shop has also adapted to customer preferences by offering sliced, packaged, and frozen rice cakes to avoid spoilage and unpleasant odors [9]. Group 3: Innovation and Market Trends - The company has introduced new flavors such as dragon fruit rice cakes, responding to customer demand for colorful and innovative products while maintaining traditional offerings [20]. - The branding emphasizes local heritage, with packaging featuring the address and contact information to facilitate repeat purchases [17].