Core Viewpoint - The national winter melon industry is experiencing significant growth, with a comprehensive output value nearing 70 billion yuan, driven by advancements in technology and industry integration [15][19]. Industry Overview - The fifth National Winter Melon Conference was held in Guangzhou, Guangdong, focusing on the entire winter melon industry chain and gathering experts, scholars, and industry representatives to explore new paths for industry integration [5][6]. - The national winter melon planting area increased from 5.5 million mu in 2020 to 6.5 million mu, with the comprehensive output value rising from 55 billion yuan to nearly 70 billion yuan [18][19]. Technological Advancements - The conference emphasized breaking down barriers in breeding, production, processing, circulation, and consumption, supporting innovation to develop high-value-added products [22][24]. - The Guangdong Agricultural Technology Promotion Center aims to create a platform for promoting agricultural technology achievements, showcasing over 100,000 new varieties and advanced technologies [30][31]. Product Diversification - The event featured a variety of winter melon products, including winter melon tea, sliced winter melon, dehydrated winter melon, and dietary fiber meal replacement powder, highlighting the diverse value and development potential of the winter melon industry [40]. - The conference also introduced the first national winter melon industry map, identifying major production areas with over 180,000 mu of annual planting [42]. Collaboration and Partnerships - Collaborations were established between various agricultural research institutions and companies to enhance winter melon breeding technology and product development [46][49]. - The conference included discussions on new vegetable industry models and management challenges in winter melon cultivation, providing scientific guidance for growers [44][45]. Awards and Recognition - A competition showcased 205 winter melon varieties, with awards given to outstanding specimens, reflecting the increasing demand for diverse and high-quality winter melon products [58][60]. - The event recognized the need for improved quality standards and safety in winter melon production, contributing to the industry's standardization and safety development [43].

Core Insights - The traditional beverage "winter melon tea" is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among tea brands in China, as they introduce new variations and products inspired by this classic drink [1][9][20] - Major brands like Yihuo Tang and Chen Wending are launching new winter melon tea products, which have received positive consumer feedback and strong sales performance [2][4][13] Brand Activities - Chen Wending launched large cup QQ winter melon iced tea and QQ winter melon green tea, which saw a 25% increase in sales on the first day [2][4] - Yihuo Tang introduced limited edition products in Fujian, achieving over 50,000 cups sold within ten days [4] - Regional brand Cui Chun Feng has also capitalized on the trend by launching unique winter melon-inspired drinks [6] Market Trends - The rise of winter melon tea aligns with the growing consumer preference for refreshing and health-oriented beverages, particularly in the context of rising temperatures [11][20] - The beverage's versatility allows it to be paired with various flavors, making it suitable for different consumer tastes [14][16] Consumer Engagement - Social media platforms have seen significant engagement, with over 50,000 related posts on Xiaohongshu, indicating strong consumer interest [8] - The nostalgic aspect of winter melon tea resonates with consumers, particularly those who associate it with childhood memories [9][20] Challenges and Opportunities - Despite its popularity, winter melon tea faces challenges in expanding beyond niche markets, particularly in regions where it is less known [20] - The beverage's flavor profile may not be distinct enough to stand out in a crowded market, necessitating innovative product development [20] - Supply chain issues related to sourcing winter melon from Taiwan could hinder scalability, highlighting the need for local alternatives [20]

Group 1: Event Overview - The "Jiangsu·Nanjing Taiwan Week" features over 20 activities across various fields, with participation from more than 1,000 individuals including Taiwanese business groups and youth representatives [2] - The event's theme is "Ning Good Taiwan, Together Towards the Future," highlighting cultural exchanges and cooperation opportunities between Taiwan and Nanjing [2] Group 2: Cultural Exchange - A campus folk song carnival at the opening ceremony evoked shared memories among guests, with classic songs leading to a collective sing-along [3] - Discussions on "Literary Dialogue in the Digital Age" took place between writers and publishers from both sides, exploring historical and contemporary literary connections [3] - Performances showcased traditional and modern cultural expressions, emphasizing the shared cultural roots between the two regions [3] Group 3: Culinary Collaboration - A cross-strait food market featured 40 stalls offering a variety of Taiwanese and Nanjing delicacies, attracting significant public interest [4] - Taiwanese food stalls included popular items such as oyster omelets and bubble tea, with participation from local entrepreneurs and teams exploring culinary culture [4][5] Group 4: Business Opportunities - The food market's success led to plans for a long-term collaboration to establish a "Ning-Tai Cultural and Culinary Exchange Practice Base" [5] - Over 50% of the participating vendors were young entrepreneurs, indicating a growing interest among Taiwanese youth in exploring business opportunities in Nanjing [5] Group 5: Industrial Cooperation - A special event focused on the electrical and mechanical industry featured Taiwanese representatives discussing new cooperation opportunities [6] - Notable Taiwanese enterprises have established a presence in Nanjing, with nearly 4,000 approved Taiwanese projects and over 1,000 operational Taiwanese companies as of December 2024 [6] Group 6: Historical and Cultural Significance - Activities included the unveiling of the Sun Yat-sen Academic Research Center and an exhibition on the Treaty of Shimonoseki, reflecting the historical ties between Taiwan and Nanjing [6] - Participants engaged in various cultural experiences, deepening their understanding of traditional Chinese culture and modern development achievements [6]