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The soy sauce-based ice cream is made by Shendang Brewing. [Photo/Tide News]

Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Museum in East China's Zhejiang province recently released 54 innovative cases in intangible cultural heritage protection and development, with two from Haiyan county in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, earning recognition.

Founded in 1887, Shendang Brewing is a time-honored brand specializing in yellow rice wine and soy sauce. The company holds five heritage projects and engages five inheritors, integrating traditional techniques with modern production.

By blending heritage with food innovation, it has introduced soy sauce ice cream, cookies, and lattes, selling more than 190,000 ice cream sticks and 80,000 cookie packs. It has also developed souvenirs such as magnets and postcards, generating over 5 million yuan (about $702,124) from cultural products alone.

Unlike Shendang Brewing, Jiaxing Yantian Zhicai, which was founded in 2021, has focused on creative industries from the start. With full-color brocade weaving as its core, the company launches more than 20 new products annually, including scarves and handbags.

With a 6,500-square-meter plant and advanced equipment, the firm produces over one million items yearly. It also integrates e-commerce, museum partnerships, and study tours, attracting over 6,000 visits each year. In 2024, its output reached 8.2 million yuan, with cultural products accounting for over 60 percent.