Core Insights - The pre-prepared food industry in China is rapidly expanding, with a projected market size of 485 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 34.2% [1] - The increasing presence of pre-prepared food in rural banquets indicates a shift in consumption habits in rural areas, driven by economic efficiency and changing labor dynamics [1][2] Industry Growth - The number of newly registered companies in the pre-prepared food sector exceeded 8,000 in the first half of 2025 [1] - The economic benefits of pre-prepared food, such as a 40% reduction in labor costs compared to traditional banquet services, are attracting more service providers [1] Policy Support - Recent government policies, including the 2023 Central Document No. 1, emphasize the development of the pre-prepared food industry and aim to enhance its supply chain [2] - Local governments in major agricultural provinces like Guangdong, Shandong, and Hunan have introduced supportive measures to promote pre-prepared food, including establishing demonstration points [2] Challenges to Adoption - There are barriers to acceptance among rural consumers regarding the hygiene and nutritional value of pre-prepared food, necessitating effective education and transparent regulatory frameworks [2] - Cold chain logistics face significant challenges in rural areas, with low coverage and frequent disruptions leading to high delivery costs [2] Supply Chain Improvements - The establishment of cold chain logistics centers and rural cold chain nodes is essential for improving the distribution of pre-prepared food [3] - Encouraging the use of mobile pre-cooling and small cold storage facilities can optimize delivery routes and reduce costs [3] Product Development - Companies are encouraged to create regionally inspired dishes that resonate with local tastes and memories, while minimizing chemical additives to rebuild consumer trust [3] - Implementing a comprehensive traceability system using big data can enhance quality management and ensure food safety from production to consumption [3] Market Development - Initiatives to lower consumer barriers, such as offering affordable packaging and increasing awareness of pre-prepared food, are crucial for market penetration [3] - Integrating pre-prepared food into local convenience stores and community service centers can make it more accessible to rural consumers [3]