In recent days, the rumor that "canned peaches can alleviate COVID-19 symptoms" has been circulating on the internet, leading to a temporary shortage of various canned products, with cans becoming hard to find. Canned food has suddenly become a "internet sensation," propelling China's canned food industry into the spotlight.

Mr. Liu Youqian, the director of the China Canned Food Industry Association, stated: "Whether it's canned peaches or any other canned product worldwide, none of them has the medicinal function of 'curing.' The good-natured banter among the general public is more of a spiritual reliance and emotional therapy, a nostalgic tribute to the joy and comfort that canned food once brought to life."

The China Canned Food Industry Association, on its official website, mentioned that the temporary shortage of canned peaches in the market is just a short-term phenomenon, as China's canned food production capacity is sufficient, and the market supply is ample, fully meeting the post-pandemic consumer demand.

"The unexpected popularity of canned food has provided the industry with a short-term sales opportunity, but we should also recognize the social responsibility that the canned food industry has borne for many years, especially during the three-year period of the pandemic," added Mr. Liu Youqian.

Firstly, ensure agricultural stability and reduce losses.

During the sudden outbreak and control measures of the pandemic, with traffic disruptions and markets closed, mature vegetables and fruits in various regions could not be transported over long distances, leading to the risk of spoilage in the fields. Canned food companies have overcome challenges, opened up production, and, without considering costs, locally sourced raw materials to help farmers solve most of their agricultural product sales issues.

At the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, Fujian mushrooms rose from ¥1 per catty to ¥3 per catty. In the summer of 2021, Anhui peaches rose from ¥0.3 per catty to ¥0.7 per catty. In November 2022, Guangdong yams rose from ¥0.3 per catty to ¥0.7 per catty. All of these instances showcase China's canned food industry supporting agriculture, reducing losses, and contributing to China's poverty alleviation and rural revitalization efforts.

Secondly, to ensure production and promote employment

According to incomplete statistics, during the three years of the pandemic, the national canned food industry has cumulatively produced over 27 million tons of canned goods, with a total output value of over 350 billion yuan. This has stabilized the canned food industry chain, providing millions of employment opportunities and preventing personnel mobility from imposing pressure on society.

Furthermore, to ensure stable prices and livelihoods

The pandemic has severely impacted the primary sector, leading to missed planting and harvesting seasons for crops. This has resulted in insufficient supply of vegetables and meat, causing fluctuating prices and affecting people's livelihoods. At this time, canned products entering the market promptly with reasonable prices play a positive role in stabilizing price fluctuations

Fourthly, ensure emergency preparedness for people's safety and well-being

In the unavoidable situation of urban and rural lockdowns to prioritize 'life first,' some residents are unable to access daily necessities promptly. Canned goods play a role in emergency supplies due to their characteristics of ambient storage, convenience, safety, and nutritional richness, meeting the basic needs of the general public and providing comfort.

Finally, preserving foreign trade to promote development.

China, as the world's largest producer and trader of canned goods, holds a significant position in the international arena. Over the past three years, it has supplied nearly 9 million tons of canned goods to other countries and regions worldwide, contributing significantly to the stability of China's foreign trade. Simultaneously, during the global rise in prices amid the pandemic, it has provided affordable basic necessities, enhancing China's 'friendly' image on the world stage.

Chen Junxing, Vice Chairman of the China Canned Food Industry Association and Director of Chen Zi Trading Co., Ltd., a company based in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, known as the 'Canned Food Capital' of China, has been involved in international canned food trade for nearly three decades. With a deep emotional connection to the canned food industry, he highlights the societal functions of canned goods, describing them as a means to 'regulate excess and shortage, exchange abundance and scarcity, and turn waste into treasure.' In the flourishing global canned food industry, which is yet to fully develop in China, significant business opportunities await.

Chen Junxing asserts that the process of 'can sealing, high-temperature sterilization, and isolation from the world' maximizes the retention of the original flavor and texture of food. The domestically popular 'Five Guarantees Household' canned goods are, in fact, the ancestors of the currently trending 'pre-packaged meals.' With a profound societal responsibility, the canned food industry eagerly anticipates the positive recognition from the Chinese public and the active involvement of knowledgeable individuals