财经观察：预制菜能随“国标”加速出海吗？

Core Viewpoint - The release of the national food safety standard for pre-prepared dishes aims to address safety and nutritional concerns, responding to consumer demands and promoting the industry's healthy development [1][2]. Industry Growth - The pre-prepared dish market in China has grown from 244.5 billion yuan in 2019 to 516.5 billion yuan in 2023, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 20%. The market is expected to reach 546.6 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.83% [2]. - By 2025, the domestic market size is projected to exceed 600 billion yuan, with potential to reach one trillion yuan by 2026 [2]. Definition and Standards - Pre-prepared dishes are defined as packaged meals made from one or more food products, processed industrially without preservatives, and requiring heating before consumption. The standard excludes staple foods, fresh-cut vegetables, ready-to-eat foods, and dishes made in central kitchens [3]. - The introduction of these standards is seen as a significant step towards addressing previous criticisms of the pre-prepared dish industry, providing a regulatory framework for healthy and orderly development [4]. Consumer Trust and Safety - The new standards prohibit preservatives and strictly limit additives, addressing consumer safety concerns and enhancing transparency regarding the preparation of pre-prepared dishes [4][10]. - The implementation of these standards is expected to shift the market focus from price competition to value competition, allowing prices to better reflect safety and quality [4]. Export Opportunities - China's pre-prepared dish exports have surged, with figures rising from approximately 3 billion USD in 2022 to 4 billion USD in 2023, and projected to exceed 7 billion USD in 2024. Key markets include Japan and South Korea [8]. - The Southeast Asian market is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 55%, while the Middle East market could reach 8 billion USD by 2030 [8]. Challenges and Recommendations - The industry faces challenges in local adaptation and compliance with food safety standards in overseas markets, as well as a lack of consumer awareness regarding Chinese pre-prepared dishes [9]. - Experts suggest that improving flavor restoration and leveraging modern food technology will be crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese pre-prepared dishes in international markets [9].