HAIKOU, At the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo, historic brands showcased remarkable transformations – from bronze-inspired pastry blind boxes to herbal medicine milk teas and jasmine-infused craft beers. These innovations demonstrate how China’s centuries-old enterprises are reinventing themselves for contemporary consumers while preserving cultural heritage.
Redefining “Time-Honored”
The Ministry of Commerce defines “China Time-Honored Brands” as enterprises with:
- Minimum 50 years of operation
- Distinct regional cultural characteristics
- Proven innovation capabilities across operations
Recent government initiatives have strengthened oversight, including:
- February 2024 addition of 382 new national Time-Honored Brands (total 1,455)
- Establishment of specialized museums and experience centers
- Implementation of dynamic management removing 55 underperforming brands in 2023
“The delisting was our wake-up call,” said Wang Yuxin, Chairman of reinstated soy sauce brand Zhengyanghe, which has since automated 90% of production while retaining traditional flavors through veteran technicians’ guidance.
Multi-Dimensional Innovation Strategies
Sensory Revolution:
- Tongrentang’s “punk wellness” lattes with goji berries and chrysanthemums
- Daoxiangcun’s architectural pastries replicating Beijing landmarks
- Porcelain cup coffees blending Chinese tea ceremony aesthetics with espresso
Experience Expansion:
- Cloisonné jewelry workshops where couples craft engagement rings
- Interactive exhibits like ancient ritual vessel replicas at Daoxiangcun’s flagship
- AI-powered traditional medicine consultations at Fangjiapuzi herbal stores
Digital Engagement:
- User-generated content like DaoxiangcunHacks trending on Xiaohongshu
- Private domain traffic through store manager WeChat accounts
- Live-streamed traditional craft demonstrations
Sustaining Cultural Authenticity
As brands experiment with trendy formats like blind boxes and novelty drinks, industry leaders emphasize deeper innovation:
“Youthification isn’t about chasing viral trends,” cautioned Chen Tianbao, manager of Daoxiangcun’s concept store. “Our pastries must first excel as food before becoming cultural symbols.”
Lao She Teahouse exemplifies balanced innovation:
- Preserves courtyard architecture and 2-cent tea tradition
- Integrates Peking opera performances
- Develops cultural creative products
Future-Proofing Heritage
Successful cases reveal three modernization pillars:
Health-Conscious Reformulation: Sugar-free options and whole grain ingredients
Immersive Experiences: Hands-on workshops like Duyichu’s dumpling-making classes
Smart Technology: AI diagnostics in traditional medicine
“Consumers ultimately decide which traditions endure,” concluded Wang Jing, heritage brand researcher. “The brands thriving today don’t just sell products – they curate living cultural experiences that resonate across generations.”
Market data confirms this approach’s success:
- 78% of consumers aged 18-35 prefer “innovative traditional” products
- Heritage brands growing 2.3x faster than conventional counterparts
- Cultural experience spending up 310% since 2019
Related Topic:
- New Alliance Launches Exclusive Yacht Expeditions to Australia & NZ
- New Alliance Boosts Travel Pros’ Ability to Serve LGBTQ+ Travelers
- U.S. Issues Highest-Level Travel Warning for Colombia Amid Rising Violence
