Core Insights - The export of grilled eel from Shunde has seen significant growth, with orders increasing over 20% in the first three quarters of the year compared to the previous year, and a 30% increase in the Japanese market [1] - Shunde is a major contributor to China's eel production, accounting for 41.2% of the national output, with an annual export of grilled eel representing 20% of the country's total [1] - The Japanese market is projected to import 22,523 tons of Chinese grilled eel in the 2025 eel year, marking a 9.8% increase and the highest level in five years [1] Industry Development - Shunde's eel industry has thrived due to advanced farming techniques and a digitalized supply chain, transforming the eel into a symbol of agricultural technology in China [2] - Eels are sensitive to environmental factors, making large-scale farming challenging; however, Shunde has innovated by using natural ponds instead of traditional cement pools, significantly improving survival rates [3] - The local farmers in Shunde developed their own feed formulas, reducing costs from 8,000 yuan to around 5,000 yuan per ton, breaking the technological monopoly of Japan and South Korea [3] Technological Advancements - Smart farming systems are standard in Shunde's eel farms, allowing real-time monitoring of water quality and automatic adjustments to maintain optimal conditions [4] - The integration of advanced technology in the processing of grilled eel ensures high precision in maintaining freshness and quality, with the entire process taking only 90 minutes [5] - Blockchain technology has been introduced to provide traceability for each eel, allowing consumers to access detailed information about the product's journey from farm to table [6] Market Expansion - Shunde's eel industry has expanded its market reach by developing various processed eel products, including canned eel and snacks, which are sold through e-commerce platforms [5] - The combination of IoT and cold chain logistics has enabled Shunde's eel products to achieve a premium price, with a 40% markup in markets like Hong Kong and Macau [6] - The industry has successfully created a closed-loop system that connects feed production, smart farming, processing, and distribution, enhancing the overall value chain [6]