It started out as a supplier of shrimp to the United States, but Zhangjiang-based Guolian Aquatic is now firmly focused on domestic sales for future growth, following the opening of its new research and development center in Shanghai.
Based in the city’s Songjiang district, the facility is equipped with laboratories and kitchens designed for seafood recipe development, as well as the development of ready-to-eat meals for China’s burgeoning convenience sector. Fifty guests from 30 Chinese chain stores were treated to breaded shrimp snacks and Chinese-style tilapia curries at a colourful opening ceremony for the facility recently.
“We have built around our customer needs,” company vice president Zhao Hong Mei said at the ceremony.
Zhao noted both Chinese- and Western-style food products will be researched at the new center.
Among those in attendance were representatives of the Chinese operations of 7-11 and KFC, as well as local fast-food chain Dico’s.
