Core Viewpoint - The Chinese crayfish industry is expected to maintain stable growth in 2024, with a total output value exceeding 460 billion yuan, driven by technological innovation and structural optimization despite facing cost pressures and market fluctuations [1] Industry Overview - In 2024, the crayfish farming area is approximately 30 million acres, with total production exceeding 3 million tons, remaining stable compared to 2023 [2] - Traditional production areas like Hubei, Anhui, and Hunan continue to dominate, but growth in these regions is slowing, while non-traditional areas such as Guangxi, Sichuan, and Hainan are emerging due to off-season farming practices [2] Processing Sector - The crayfish processing industry is experiencing growth in both capacity and profit, with 41 surveyed enterprises reporting a total crayfish purchase volume of 260,000 tons, a year-on-year increase of 11.9% [3] - The total output value of these enterprises reached 5.06 billion yuan, up 13.5% year-on-year, with a notable shift towards high-value-added products [3][4] - Online sales of crayfish products have increased, reflecting the growing importance of e-commerce platforms in the industry [3] Consumer Trends - Consumer demand for crayfish is high, with preferences shifting towards quality and price sensitivity, particularly among younger demographics [5] - The average spending per transaction is concentrated in the 100-150 yuan range, indicating a balance between quality and cost [5] - The pre-prepared crayfish market has seen explosive growth, with online sales increasing by 40% in 2024 [6] Challenges and Solutions - The industry faces challenges such as rising farming costs and imbalances in profit distribution between farmers and processors [7] - Adoption of smart feeding technology and ecological mixed farming are suggested as solutions to reduce costs and risks [7] - Strengthening order agriculture models and establishing price linkage mechanisms are recommended to stabilize the market [7][8] Long-term Trends - The industry is moving towards self-sufficiency in seed supply, with a target of 80% self-sufficiency in seed production [9] - Integration of the entire industry chain is becoming a trend, with cultural and tourism events boosting local economies and contributing over 10% to the total output value [9] - Enhanced policy support is expected to facilitate technological innovation and market expansion, promoting high-quality development in the crayfish industry [9]