The catering industry in China is undergoing a transformation with the adoption of automation and digitalisation, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. From pancake vending machines to stir-fry robots, technology is reshaping the way food is prepared and served, driving significant cost savings and boosting revenue.
China’s catering industry is evolving through increased automation and digitalisation, boosting productivity and efficiency. A notable instance is seen at Beijing’s Niujie subway station, where a pancake vending machine automates the process of making and serving jianbing. Customers order via a screen, pay by scanning a QR code, and receive their pancake, made by a robot, within three minutes.
In Beijing, Yummy Health restaurant employs a stir-fry robot costing about 50,000 yuan (£5,545), significantly reducing labor costs compared to hiring a chef. The beverage industry is also embracing automation, as seen at the 4th China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou. Heytea showcased an intelligent tea machine capable of producing milk tea in three seconds and other high-tech devices for food preparation.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 10.8% year-on-year increase in the catering industry’s revenue for the first quarter of the year, totaling 1.34 trillion yuan (£148.6 billion). Yang Liu of the China Cuisine Association highlighted the rapid recovery and growth of the industry, attributing it to improved digital infrastructure and supportive policies.
