Caterers urged to go digital to cut costs, hike efficiency, drive development

Digitalization is key to improving efficiency and reducing costs for China's catering industry, as well as driving its high-quality development, amid a period of rising revenue but declining profits, said business leaders and experts at a conference held recently in Shanghai.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China's catering sector recorded a total revenue of 3.06 trillion yuan ($429.8 billion) from January to July, up 7.1 percent year-on-year. However, the latest half-yearly earning reports released by several leading catering companies, including hotpot chain Xiapuxiapu and Japanese-style noodle chain Ajisen (China) Holdings, show a fall in profits.

Despite the challenges, business leaders and experts present at the Meituan Catering Industry Conference on Sept 3 were still positive about the future prospects of China's catering industry, fixing their eyes on digitalization.