By love-89.com As global interest in Chinese cooking vessels surges, cast iron cookware is becoming more appealing than ever. Recent data highlights an astonishing 1300% increase in worldwide searches for “Chinese firewood stove,” particularly in countries like Canada, Ireland, the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia.
With the rise of cross-border e-commerce, Chinese kitchenware is gaining traction in international markets, especially across Europe and North America. Take, for instance, the recent debut of Zhejiang-based kitchenware brand Karote on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, where it raised a remarkable HKD 750 million. The company’s average cast iron pot, priced around 540 yuan, capitalizes on a swift product launch model, leading to 670 million yuan in sales on Amazon last year alone. This success contributed to overall revenue reaching 1.583 billion yuan, positioning Karote as a major player in the market with significant ranking—second in the U.S., third in Western Europe, and solid standings in Southeast Asia and Japan.
Google Trends further reinforces this trend, showcasing a sharp rise in search interest for “firewood stove,” particularly in North America and Oceania. The rich Chinese cooking culture supports a diverse range of cookware options, and recent data indicates that online retail sales for open-flame cooking tools reached 8.37 billion yuan in the first eight months of 2024, reflecting a 3.3% year-over-year increase, with predictions of 105 million cast iron pots sold throughout the year. Additionally, as of September 2024, there are almost 9.9 million companies related to kitchenware in China, with 2.86 million new businesses registered in just the first nine months of this year.
In Hebei Province, the thriving factory of Sanxia Kitchenware serves as a prime example of this booming industry. According to Zhang Junxiang, the company’s marketing director, most of their production is currently dedicated to fulfilling American orders, with production lines operating at full capacity 24/7 and orders already booked through March of next year. Sanxia’s cast iron pots are now popular in over 20 countries, capturing substantial market shares in North America and Europe.
Stepping into Sanxia’s showroom feels like entering an art gallery, where vibrant skillets, frying pans, soup pots, and baking trays showcase meticulous craftsmanship. Factory representative Xie Huilong emphasizes, “Our unique core technology guarantees that the enamel remains firmly bonded to the cast iron. Our enameled pots won’t chip even when dropped from a meter high.”
Contrasting with Sanxia’s behind-the-scenes focus, Karote has aggressively pursued international expansion since venturing into product research and industrial design in 2013. By 2023, the company experienced an impressive revenue leap from 283 million yuan in 2021 to over 1.5 billion yuan.
Industry experts point out that the global success of Chinese cast iron cookware goes beyond manufacturing capabilities; it symbolizes a broader cultural and strategic achievement. As Chinese kitchenware brands continue to navigate and expand into international markets, their experiences provide crucial insights into the evolving landscape of China’s manufacturing sector.
Creating a high-quality pot is a complex process involving pouring molten iron, casting, polishing, and more. In Jixian County, Henan Province—the so-called “capital of cast iron pots”—around 200,000 pots are shipped daily, contributing to an astounding annual total of over 70 million pots, including both non-stick and enameled varieties.
Wang Long, general manager of Huabang Electrics Cookware Company, discloses that roughly 60% of their production—about 5 million pots annually—is exported, with enameled pots commanding prices as high as $300 in the U.S. and European markets. The company strives to innovate constantly to cater to both domestic and global consumer preferences.
While most cookware manufacturers have shifted towards automated production methods, Shandong Province’s Zhangqiao has preserved traditional handcrafting techniques for more than 2,000 years. Liu Zimu, chairman of Jinan Sanhuan Cookware Company and a traditional crafting expert, stresses that genuine craftsmanship demands extensive skill and dedication.
To maintain the quality of their products, the local industry has implemented strict standards for raw materials and production processes. As efforts to promote the “Zhangqiao Iron Pot” brand intensify, local associations are committed to maintaining quality and fostering a cooperative environment within the industry.
With iron pot production in Jixian dating back over 600 years, the region now faces challenges such as insufficient brand development and unregulated competition. Liu Guojun, secretary of the local iron pot association, elaborates on initiatives aimed at improving product quality, encouraging modern practices, and introducing geographical labeling to bolster the industry’s identity.
The success story of Wang Yuan Ji, a century-old cookware brand that has recently attracted substantial funding, highlights the potential for traditional companies to thrive in today’s market. With more than 33% of their sales coming from international customers, they are well-positioned for further growth.
Experts believe that the increasing global demand for healthy, convenient cookware puts Chinese manufacturers in an advantageous position in international markets. As product quality improves and innovation flourishes through e-commerce platforms, more Chinese brands are likely to leave their mark on the global stage, heralding a new era of international recognition and sales.