（原标题：21对话｜超越山海之隔：西班牙与中国的"盘中之约"） 南方财经 21世纪经济报道记者 郑青亭 实习生贺一然 北京报道 "尽管中国与西班牙远隔山海，但纵观历史长河，两国始终保持着千丝万缕的联系。在21世纪的今天， 我们依然能不断发现彼此间深厚的共同根基，这令人倍感欣喜。其中，美食文化对两国而言都具有至关 重要的意义——它不仅是人类的基本需求，更是承载社会情感与价值理念的重要平台。" 近日，西班牙驻华大使玛尔塔·贝坦索斯在北京出席"Eat Spain Drink Spain"（饕餮西班牙） 宣传活动发 布会时，向21世纪经济报道记者如此娓娓道来。该活动是 "Spain Food Nation"（西班牙食品国家形象） 宣传活动框架下的一部分，致力于提升西班牙农产品与食品在全球范围内的认知度和美誉度。 "若论中华美食，绝不仅限于北京烤鸭。以我个人的体验为例，初次在青岛品尝海鲜火锅时，那种独特 的鲜香令我惊艳不已——用各类小鱼贝类熬制的汤底清新爽口，与我在重庆体验的麻辣火锅形成鲜明对 比：后者以浓烈的肉类底料打造出炽热浓重的风味。"贝坦索斯感叹，各种烹饪创意在中国各地菜系中 层出不穷，给她留下深刻印象。 近年 ...

Core Insights - The Chinese food industry is experiencing steady growth while facing new opportunities and challenges, with strong resilience and innovation driving the expansion of Chinese cuisine brands into overseas markets [1][2][4] - Women play a significant role in the restaurant industry, comprising 61.9% of the workforce, with nearly 40% being entrepreneurs, showcasing their unique innovation and resilience [2][4] - The Chinese culinary culture, rich in history and wisdom, is being promoted internationally through various initiatives, including exhibitions and media projects, to enhance brand competitiveness [3][4] Group 1: Industry Growth and Opportunities - The overall restaurant industry in China is showing a positive trend, with established brands accelerating their overseas expansion [1] - The Chinese food industry has made significant advancements in production processes and food safety, with improved standardization and product innovation capabilities [1][4] Group 2: Role of Women in the Industry - Female entrepreneurs are becoming a driving force in the overseas expansion of Chinese cuisine, with over 12,000 overseas outlets led by women [2] - Successful case studies, such as the "Chinese Flavor" restaurant in Paris, highlight the ability of female managers to blend culinary arts with cultural elements [2] Group 3: Cultural Promotion and Brand Internationalization - The Chinese Culinary Association plans to support local flavor restaurants in their international endeavors through various initiatives [3] - The importance of cultural heritage in promoting Chinese brands abroad is emphasized, with efforts to showcase non-material cultural heritage through exhibitions and media [3]

Core Insights - The number of tax refund stores in China has exceeded 7,200, with a 186% year-on-year increase in the number of people enjoying tax refunds, and a 94.6% and 93.2% increase in sales and tax refund amounts respectively [1] - The trend of international tourists traveling to China with empty suitcases for shopping has gained popularity, with many foreign netizens expressing excitement about this phenomenon [1] - China's shopping paradise status is reinforced by a wide range of products available, from traditional crafts to the latest electronics, attracting more foreign tourists [1] Group 1: Policy and Economic Impact - China has been expanding its visa-free entry policies and improving shopping tax refund policies, significantly boosting international travelers' shopping enthusiasm [2] - As of July, China has implemented comprehensive visa exemptions with 29 countries, unilateral visa exemptions for 46 countries, and 240-hour transit visa exemptions for 55 countries, facilitating easier access for foreign tourists [2] - The optimization of tax refund policies includes lowering the minimum spending threshold, increasing cash refund limits, and allowing immediate VAT refund applications at retail locations [3] Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Trends - The shopping preferences of foreign tourists have shifted from traditional items like silk and tea to high-value products such as drones and smart wearable devices [5] - The convenience of China's digital payment systems allows foreign tourists to easily link their overseas bank cards, enhancing their shopping experience [5] - The implementation of technology in tax refund processes has improved efficiency, with a 40% increase in processing speed for tax refunds [5] Group 3: Tourism Growth and Market Positioning - The influx of foreign tourists has stimulated demand in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and tourism services, contributing to overall economic growth [6] - The number of inbound travelers has increased significantly, with 38.05 million foreign visitors recorded in the first half of the year, a 30.2% year-on-year increase [8] - The rise in ticket bookings for less popular cities indicates a diversification in tourist destinations, with a notable increase in interest from countries like Vietnam and Indonesia [9]

Core Insights - The popularity of hot pot among young people is declining, with many opting for alternatives due to factors like high prices, long wait times, and the emergence of healthier or cheaper options [21][22][35]. Group 1: Hot Pot Preferences - The most popular hot pot base among young people is spicy hot pot, favored by 74.2% of respondents, followed by Chaozhou beef hot pot at 57.5% and tomato hot pot at 40.4% [7][8]. - Preferences vary by age group, with 95s showing a strong preference for spicy hot pot (77.6%), while 00s lean towards tomato hot pot (over 50%) [9][10]. - Regional preferences also play a role, with different cities favoring specific types of hot pot, such as spicy hot pot in Chengdu and tomato hot pot in Suzhou [12][14]. Group 2: Hot Pot Dining Frequency - The frequency of hot pot dining among young people is decreasing, with an average of less than two visits per month, particularly among the younger age groups [24][25]. - The average score for hot pot cravings is lowest among 00s, indicating a generational shift in interest [22][24]. Group 3: Brand Preferences - Haidilao is the most frequented hot pot brand, chosen by 65.6% of respondents, followed by Xiaolongkan at 19.2% and Jiabujia at 18.7% [27][28]. - While taste is the primary factor influencing brand choice (90.2%), other factors like price, freshness, and wait times are becoming increasingly important [30][29]. Group 4: Market Trends - The hot pot market is facing competition from emerging dining trends such as small hot pots, grilled fish, and mala tang, which are gaining popularity due to their lower price points and convenience [40][41][43]. - The number of small hot pot establishments is expected to grow significantly, with a projected annual growth rate of 33.5% [40]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior - Young consumers are becoming more price-sensitive, with over half willing to pay between 100-200 yuan per person for hot pot, and nearly 40% preferring options under 100 yuan [35][36]. - The rise of "one-person meals" and the decline of large group dining indicate a shift in social dining habits among young people [45][56].

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolving preferences of young consumers regarding hot pot, highlighting a shift in taste and dining frequency, as well as the emergence of alternative dining options. Group 1: Hot Pot Preferences - The most popular hot pot base among young people is "spicy hot pot," favored by 74.2% of respondents, followed by "Chaozhou beef hot pot" at 57.5% [2][3] - Different age groups exhibit varying preferences, with 77.6% of post-95s favoring spicy hot pot, while over 50% of post-00s prefer tomato hot pot [5][6] - Regional preferences show that spicy hot pot is most popular in Chengdu, while other cities have their own favorites, such as sour soup hot pot in Guangzhou and tomato hot pot in Suzhou [8][10] Group 2: Hot Pot Ingredients and Dipping Sauces - Beef is the most favored hot pot ingredient, chosen by 86.6% of young consumers, followed by shrimp paste at 57.1% and lamb at 53.0% [11][12] - The most popular dipping sauce is sesame oil, with a 62.8% preference, followed by minced garlic and sesame paste [14][15] Group 3: Dining Frequency and Brand Preferences - Despite a strong interest in hot pot, the frequency of dining out has decreased, with many young people eating hot pot less than twice a month [21][22] - "Haidilao" is the leading hot pot brand, preferred by 65.6% of respondents, indicating its strong market position [23][24] Group 4: Factors Influencing Hot Pot Choices - Key factors influencing hot pot choices include taste (90.2%), freshness of ingredients (60.9%), and price (76.0%), with waiting time also becoming a significant concern [26][27] - Young consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, with over 50% willing to pay between 100-200 yuan per person for hot pot, and nearly 40% preferring options under 100 yuan [32][34] Group 5: Emerging Trends in Dining - The article notes a rise in alternative dining options such as small hot pots, grilled fish, and skewers, with small hot pot establishments growing at a rate of 33.5% [36][37] - The shift towards "one-person meals" reflects changing consumer behavior, as young people seek more affordable and convenient dining experiences [43][55]