Core Viewpoint - The sweet glutinous corn industry in Wuzhai, Shanxi, is projected to reach a market value of 6 billion yuan by 2030, driven by strong demand, technological advancements, and a comprehensive industry chain from planting to sales [1][7]. Group 1: Industry Development - Wuzhai County has implemented a special agricultural strategy, establishing sweet glutinous corn as a pillar industry supported by policies and technology [1][5]. - The county has invested 386 million yuan in the "Wuzhai Sweet Glutinous Corn Industrial Park," which features advanced production lines and a processing capacity of 200 million ears of corn annually [4][5]. - The sweet glutinous corn is recognized for its superior taste and high nutritional value, leading to a high repurchase rate among consumers [1][2]. Group 2: Technological Integration - The unique quality of Wuzhai sweet glutinous corn is attributed to its geographical advantages and technological enhancements, including a smart agriculture system that utilizes satellite remote sensing, IoT, and blockchain [2][5]. - The industrial park employs a three-hour freshness-locking process that retains over 90% of the corn's nutrients, with a defect rate below 2% [4][5]. Group 3: Market Expansion - Wuzhai County has developed a multi-channel sales system combining online e-commerce, offline supermarkets, and contract farming, leading to national sales and exports to countries like Russia [5][7]. - The county's "2365" industrial plan aims to expand sweet glutinous corn planting to 200,000 acres by 2030, with annual sales projected to reach 600 million ears [7]. Group 4: Brand Development - The "Wuzhai Sweet Glutinous Corn" brand was launched in September 2025, enhancing its market recognition and positioning it as a cultural symbol of the region [7]. - The brand has received certifications for green food and organic products, further solidifying its reputation in both domestic and international markets [7].

Core Insights - Fresh sweet corn has gained popularity as a staple food due to its sweet and tender taste, with a variety of products available in supermarkets, including vacuum-packed and frozen corn [1] Group 1: Consumer Preferences - Fresh sweet corn is widely favored by consumers as a healthy and low-calorie food option, often incorporated into meals, especially for families with children [2][4] - Sales of pre-packaged fresh corn have seen significant growth, with a reported increase of over 30% in sales volume since October [4] Group 2: Nutritional Benefits - Fresh sweet corn contains lower calories compared to refined grains, with approximately 90 to 110 calories per 100 grams, and is high in dietary fiber, making it a suitable option for weight loss diets [7] - New varieties of sweet corn are being developed to meet consumer demands, with some having higher soluble sugar or protein content, and others enriched with folic acid and anthocyanins [7] Group 3: Preservation Techniques - The preservation of fresh sweet corn is crucial for year-round supply, utilizing rapid low-temperature treatment and other methods to maintain freshness and nutritional value [5][7] - Frozen storage effectively inhibits the metabolism and respiration of sweet corn, preserving sugar and starch content, with minimal nutrient loss observed even after two months of freezing [8][10] - Advanced processing techniques, such as vacuum packaging and high-temperature sterilization, extend the shelf life of processed corn to 8 months to a year without the use of preservatives [10]