Yihan Ma
Research expert covering e-commerce and FMCG in Greater China
Condiments and seasoning market in China- statistics & facts
Condiments refer to sauces and seasonings used during and after cooking to enhance the flavor of food. Throughout its history, Chinese people have used a variety of condiments to bring aroma and flavor to their dishes. In addition to salt and sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste are widely used in the Chinese cuisine. China's condiment sales saw a growth spurt during the coronavirus pandemic as more people started to cook at home instead of dining out. In 2023, China is projected to be the world's largest sauces and spices market.
Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, soy sauce is a condiment made from fermented soybean paste, water, and salt. As a result of its fermentation process, soy sauce exhibits a unique umami flavor that has made it a staple in the Chinese cuisine. China is the world's largest soy sauce producer. In 2021, soy sauce accounted for nearly a third of the country's condiments and seasoning production.
China's condiment manufacturing industry is relatively diverse, with its five leading companies holding less than a fifth of the market. The local manufacturer Haitian Flavouring defeated the multinational food conglomerate Nestlé to claim the dominant position on the market. Haitian Flavouring was the most valuable food brand in China in 2021.
Condiments with healthy ingredients are also an upcoming trend. Having become aware of the negative health effects associated with excessive sugar and salt consumption, people are seeking healthier alternatives to conventional condiments. Natural and organic condiments with fewer additives and preservatives, such as olive oil and herbal seasonings, have become a trend among Chinese consumers.
A taste of China’s condiment market
Salt is a crucial element of Chinese cooking. China is not only the world's largest salt consumer in terms of cumulative amounts but also per capita intake. According to the World Health Organization, the mean salt consumption among Chinese adults was 10.9 grams, more than double the recommended daily limit. Nevertheless, in recent years, a rise in health awareness has led to the popularity of salt alternatives such as low-sodium salt and soy sauce.Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, soy sauce is a condiment made from fermented soybean paste, water, and salt. As a result of its fermentation process, soy sauce exhibits a unique umami flavor that has made it a staple in the Chinese cuisine. China is the world's largest soy sauce producer. In 2021, soy sauce accounted for nearly a third of the country's condiments and seasoning production.
China's condiment manufacturing industry is relatively diverse, with its five leading companies holding less than a fifth of the market. The local manufacturer Haitian Flavouring defeated the multinational food conglomerate Nestlé to claim the dominant position on the market. Haitian Flavouring was the most valuable food brand in China in 2021.
New trends in condiments and seasonings
A number of trends have emerged in the condiment and seasoning industries in recent years. Consumers are increasingly seeking out more complex and interesting flavors in novel condiments. In China, home cooks are increasingly using compound seasoning powder, which has resulted in a 158 billion-yuan market. Popular compound seasoning and condiments in China include hot pot spices, barbecue mix, and chicken powder.Condiments with healthy ingredients are also an upcoming trend. Having become aware of the negative health effects associated with excessive sugar and salt consumption, people are seeking healthier alternatives to conventional condiments. Natural and organic condiments with fewer additives and preservatives, such as olive oil and herbal seasonings, have become a trend among Chinese consumers.
