Core Points - The 2025 China Southern Medicine Food and Nourishment Industry Conference was successfully held in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, marking the first national-level conference focused on "Southern Medicine Food and Nourishment" in China [3][4] - The conference aligns with President Xi Jinping's directives on developing rural characteristic industries and emphasizes the importance of the Southern medicine industry in promoting rural revitalization [8][9] Industry Overview - Southern medicine, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, has over 4,000 documented species, with more than 100 cultivated on a large scale [12][14] - The Southern medicine industry in Guangdong has expanded beyond traditional cultivation to include deep processing, health product development, brand marketing, and wellness tourism, forming a modern industrial system [28][30] Economic Impact - Guangdong's Southern medicine planting area exceeds 4 million acres, with the first industry output value surpassing 18 billion yuan [32] - Zhaoqing's Southern medicine planting area is approximately 1.566 million acres, with a total output of 660,000 tons and a total output value exceeding 10 billion yuan [40][41] Development Initiatives - The conference featured the release of the "China Zhaoqing Cinnamon Industry Development White Paper" and the establishment of a regional public brand logo for "Zhaoqing Cinnamon" [20][27] - Guangdong aims to leverage this conference as a new starting point to focus on genetic innovation, integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, and the establishment of standard systems [34][35] Market Expansion - The Southern medicine industry has developed a complete industrial system that includes planting, processing, research, application, and health services, with traditional Chinese medicine materials and health products leading the export efforts [38][39] - The conference included signing ceremonies to strengthen the connection between Zhaoqing's Southern medicine industry and the national market [40][46] Cultural Integration - The event featured a health culture night market, showcasing traditional Chinese medicine practices and offering local herbal dishes, emphasizing the concept of "food and medicine sharing the same source" [54][57] - The integration of media and industry during the conference effectively amplified the influence of the Southern medicine food and nourishment industry [58][63]

Core Viewpoint - The first National Southern Medicine Food and Health Industry Conference will be held in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, showcasing the city's rich heritage in southern medicine and its innovative practices in food and health [2][3][10]. Industry Overview - Zhaoqing, with over 2,000 years of history, is recognized as a significant hub for southern medicine, emphasizing the concept of "medicinal food homology" [5][6][10]. - The southern medicine industry is a key part of Zhaoqing's agricultural sector, with a total planting area of 1.5662 million acres, a production volume of 659,900 tons, and a total output value of 10.605 billion yuan in 2024 [22]. Market Potential - The southern medicine industry is positioned to benefit from national strategies, with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area being a focal point for traditional Chinese medicine development [9][10]. - The expansion of the national medicinal food homology directory from 87 to 106 items indicates a growing market potential, with the overall health market expected to exceed 800 billion yuan [92][93]. Innovation and Development - Zhaoqing is actively innovating within the southern medicine industry, establishing a provincial southern medicine industrial park and focusing on the cultivation of quality medicinal materials [51][52]. - The city is enhancing its industrial chain by promoting deep processing of southern medicine products, such as cinnamon oil extraction, which has significantly increased local farmers' incomes [66][72]. Integration and Future Directions - The integration of southern medicine with tourism, agriculture, and health care is being emphasized, with the establishment of various specialized towns and villages to support this initiative [75][76]. - The upcoming conference aims to set standards and build brands for the southern medicine industry, further solidifying Zhaoqing's position as a leader in this sector [114][125].