Guangdong Reception Hall | Exclusive Interview with Dai Zhi, Chairman of Guanglite Group: Using "Packaging" as a Key to Unlock a New Chapter of High-Quality Development in the Post-National Standard Era of Prepared Dishes

CNR Guangzhou, March 13 — (Reporter Zheng Shaochun) In February of this year, the draft of the “National Food Safety Standard for Prepared Dishes” was released for public comment, marking the industry’s entry into the “post-national standard era,” with high-quality development becoming the core focus. As a leading enterprise in Guangdong Province’s arts and crafts and cultural creative industries, Guangqing Group is leveraging packaging as a starting point to actively explore new opportunities in the prepared dishes sector. Recently, Dai Zhi, Chairman of Guangqing Group, told CNR that the company will utilize its strengths of “craftsmanship as the soul, cultural innovation empowerment,” integrate industry chain resources, and launch a series of activities at the 4th China International Prepared Dishes Industry Expo to support the upgrade of the prepared dishes industry through high-quality packaging development.

Dai Zhi, Chairman of Guangqing Holdings Group (Photo courtesy of CNR, interviewee provided)

Reporter: Hello, Chairman Dai! Thank you for accepting our interview. In February, the “National Food Safety Standard for Prepared Dishes” (draft for comments) was released, which industry insiders see as a “watershed” for the industry’s development. As a leading enterprise in Guangdong’s arts and crafts and cultural creative industries, how do you view the high-quality development of the prepared dishes industry after the implementation of the national standard?

Dai Zhi: I believe that the introduction of the prepared dishes national standard is not a “shackle,” but rather a precise “navigation chart.” In the past, the industry’s rapid growth had some ambiguities, but the standard clarifies red lines regarding raw materials, additives, and shelf life. This signifies that the prepared dishes industry is officially transitioning from “wild growth” to a “compliant, high-quality development” phase.

Our judgment is that the standard will compel the industry to return to its “quality essence.” For truly capable companies that prioritize quality, this is not just a challenge but a huge opportunity. It will end vicious competition based on low quality and low price, and promote resource concentration among compliant enterprises. High-quality development is no longer just a slogan; it is reflected in the traceability of each ingredient, the standardized use of additives, and the “peace of mind” consumers feel when dining. This concerns not only the future of the industry but also a solemn response to the millions of consumers’ desire for “safety on the tip of the tongue” and a better life.

Our “Provincial-level Cultural Industry Demonstration Park” — Gongmei Port (Photo courtesy of CNR, interviewee provided)

Reporter: Specifically regarding the packaging industry, what new opportunities do you think the implementation of the standard will bring to this segment?

Dai Zhi: Under the standard, packaging is no longer just a “box for holding things,” but the “last mile guardian” of prepared dishes. I see three new opportunities for the packaging industry:

First, the “safety and freshness” technological dividend. The standard prohibits the addition of preservatives, meaning preservation must rely on physical methods. This places high demands on packaging materials’ freeze resistance, oxygen barrier properties, and heat resistance. Those who can develop packaging that keeps prepared dishes flavorful and safe without preservatives will master core technologies and dominate the market.

Second, the “aesthetic and branding” value dividend. Consumer skepticism towards prepared dishes often stems from a perception of “industrial feel.” Packaging is the first point of contact between consumers and food. Through culturally rich and aesthetically appealing designs, packaging can break stereotypes of “not fresh, not healthy,” transforming cold industrial products into emotionally resonant carriers, thereby enabling brand premium.

Third, the “environmental and sustainable” green dividend. As national environmental standards tighten, biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials will become mainstream. This is not only a compliance requirement but also a necessary choice for state-owned enterprises to fulfill social responsibility and lead green consumption.

Reporter: Facing these opportunities, what unique advantages does Guangqing Group, a provincial state-owned enterprise with deep cultural heritage, possess? How will you take responsibility in the prepared dishes packaging industry?

Dai Zhi: The core advantage of Guangqing Group can be summarized as “craftsmanship as the soul, cultural innovation empowerment.” We are not only a provincial state-owned enterprise but also a leader in Guangdong’s arts and crafts industry, with rich resources in craftsmanship and exhibitions. This “culture + industry” DNA gives us a unique perspective on prepared dish packaging:

First, we are “aesthetic standard setters.” We don’t just make packaging; we create “artworks.” By combining exquisite craftsmanship with modern packaging technology, we can enhance the visual appeal of prepared dish packaging, making it a carrier for spreading Lingnan culture and telling Chinese stories, addressing the industry’s pain points of “lack of branding and design.”

Second, we are “integrators of the industry chain.” As a state-owned enterprise, we have a responsibility to build platforms. Relying on Guangqing’s supply chain management and branding capabilities, we connect upstream packaging material R&D with downstream prepared dish production, enabling high-quality products to be paired with high-quality packaging, elevating the value from “agricultural products” to “high-end goods.”

Third, we are “practitioners of the standard implementation.” We will set standards higher than the national standard, adding value in safety and environmental friendliness, while reducing waste and over-packaging, demonstrating the role of a state enterprise as a “ballast stone” in implementing national strategies and leading industry regulation.

Packaging design products of Guangqing Group (Photo courtesy of CNR, interviewee provided)

Reporter: We understand that the 4th China International Prepared Dishes Industry Expo will be held in Dongguan soon. How do you evaluate the first three expos, and what are your expectations for the upcoming one?

Dai Zhi: The first three expos have witnessed and promoted the transformation of China’s prepared dishes industry from “a spark” to “a prairie fire.” They have enlightened the industry, connected upstream and downstream players, and confirmed that “prepared dishes are here to stay.” Especially last year’s third expo, which demonstrated China’s prepared dishes industry resilience and vitality amid international trade changes and efforts to expand exports.

For the fourth expo, my expectation is summarized as “the year of the national standard, the taste is coming.” At this critical juncture when the standard has just been introduced, the expo should be more than just a product showcase; it should be a platform for ideas, standard promotion, and deep industry chain integration. We hope it can serve as a springboard to shift the industry from “product-driven” to “system-driven,” especially in areas like AI empowerment, equipment upgrades, global expansion, and cultural development, providing clearer direction.

Reporter: It is reported that during this expo, Guangqing Group will lead the organization of the “High-Quality Development Series of China Prepared Dishes Packaging Industry” activities under the guidance of the organizers. What are your thoughts on this?

Dai Zhi: This initiative is a practical step toward realizing our expectations. Our motivation stems from a sense of responsibility as a state-owned enterprise.

Post-standard, packaging has become a key bottleneck restricting the industry’s upgrade. Solo efforts cannot solve the problem; industry-wide consensus and strength are needed. Therefore, under the guidance of the expo organizers, we have planned this series of activities to connect the “last mile” of the prepared dishes industry chain and elevate the entire industry through high-quality packaging development.

Reporter: Could you please elaborate on what these activities include and their respective missions?

Dai Zhi: We will implement a “Four-One” approach to systematically promote industry development:

First, hold a “China Prepared Dishes Packaging Industry High-Quality Development Roundtable.” We will invite government think tanks, industry experts, and leading enterprises for in-depth discussions. Focus areas include how packaging can meet the preservation challenges of “no preservatives” under the standard, and how packaging standards can effectively align with prepared dishes standards to help the industry break through post-standard challenges.

Second, establish a “China Prepared Dishes Packaging Industry Full Industry Chain Alliance.” This is not just an organization but an ecosystem. We will break down upstream and downstream barriers, integrating material R&D, equipment manufacturing, creative design, and production applications. This reflects Guangqing’s role as a platform builder, resource integrator, and industry leader—transforming “individual efforts” into “collaborative efforts.”

Third, issue a “Proposal for High-Quality Development of China Prepared Dishes Packaging Industry.” We will work with alliance members to send a call to the entire industry, emphasizing: maintaining safety (above national standards), pursuing green and sustainable development, and advocating for design innovation (cultural empowerment). This proposal aims to set a tone of industry self-discipline and high-quality development.

Fourth, organize a “First-Phase Promotion of Leading Enterprises, Brands, and Advanced Technologies in Prepared Dishes Packaging.” This is our “Guangqing特色”—making excellent products visible. Relying on Guangqing’s arts and crafts resources, we will promote not only technological advances but also aesthetic design. Let packaging that combines technology and culture reach the national stage through the expo, becoming preferred partners for prepared dish companies and truly demonstrating how “the beauty of packaging” enhances “the flavor of food.”

In summary, through these four activities, leveraging Guangqing’s cultural and creative advantages at this new starting point after the standard, we aim to gather industry strength and contribute wisdom and solutions for the high-quality development of China’s prepared dishes industry.