The food processing factory of Zhejiang Industrial Group, based in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, is ramping up production of its newly developed crab meat sticks, ordered by European clients.

With consistent quality and a unique flavor, the company has secured long-term contracts with customers across Europe, with annual orders ranging from 300 to 500 metric tons, generating substantial revenue at a price of $2,000 to $2,500 per ton.

This batch of crab meat sticks is one of the latest products developed by the company's new innovation team, which specializes in product development and technology. The team, consisting of 34 members, mainly young professionals, integrates resources from R&D, quality control, and production.

Within one year, they launched 19 new projects, covering a range of products including processed fish, squid, and surimi, generating nearly 10 million yuan ($1.45 million) in additional sales.

The team also focused on product details such as color and taste, helping stabilize product quality and ensure a consistent flavor.

Looking ahead, the team plans to prioritize health, convenience, and customization in product development. They are working on adding chia and flax seeds to batter coatings, upgrading formulas for air fryer products, and adapting export-oriented products for the domestic market.

Based on market and customer feedback, the team will also explore functional, high-end products tailored to specific consumer groups, such as food for the elderly.