To some, canned goods may evoke nostalgia, but in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, they are not products of the past and are far from being outdated.

The region is a hub for Chinese canned goods, with an abundance of fresh produce being canned, including lychees, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and seafood delights such as mackerel and sardines.

Currently Zhangzhou is home to over 1,300 businesses operating in the sector. Last year, the city exported canned goods worth 1.37 billion yuan ($190 million) to 140 countries and regions, showcasing the global appeal of its products.

Companies in Zhangzhou, in response to a saturated market for traditional glass or tinplate packaging, are re-energizing themselves through innovation.

Huang Xuelian, general manager of Fujian Zhangzhou Gangchang Industries & Trade Co Ltd, has introduced paper-based materials that mimic traditional canned products using high-temperature sterile soft packaging.

These eco-friendly containers, lighter and easier to open than traditional cans, cater to modern preferences and lifestyles and are seen as being perfect for produce such as corn, mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Displayed at last Canton Fair held in April, these products garnered significant interest, leading to successful launches in fresh markets including Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Elsewhere, entrepreneur Huang Yi is making waves in the pet food sector. Recognizing the dominance of imported brands in China, his company, Fujian Teddy Pet Food, has focused on localized recipes that cater to regional tastes.

By understanding that "Chinese cats prefer chicken, while Southeast Asian cats love fish," Huang's team conducts flavor tests with their in-house "furry food critics" before product launches.

With a strong domestic base, Huang says he's determined to leverage this success globally, starting with the Canton Fair.

Overall, from convenient outdoor meals to specialized pet cuisine, Zhangzhou's canned food industry is breaking new ground, offering fresh opportunities and catering to evolving consumer demand.