Shapu Town’s Enterprises Explore New Development Paths Fuqing Kelp Becomes a Common Presence on International Dining Tables
Recently, at the processing workshop of Shuang Hai Jiang Seafood Co., Ltd. in Longyang Village, Shapu Town, Fuqing City, trays of dried kelp shreds, referred to as “Square Cakes,” were ready to be sent to Xiapu for quality inspection before being shipped to Russia and Ukraine.
Shapu Town boasts over 20,000 mu of kelp farming, covering areas such as Niufeng Village, Jincheng Village, Dongchen Village, and Chijiao Village. With more than 20 kelp processing factories, the town has established a complete industrial chain. Shuang Hai Jiang Seafood Co., Ltd. is one of the largest kelp processing companies in the town, with an annual output value of 50 to 60 million yuan. The company exports nearly 3,000 tons of dried kelp shreds each year, accounting for half of its total production.
“The domestic kelp industry is highly competitive, so I want to explore international markets.” After taking over the company in 2020, Wang Yuxiong, the company’s leader, actively sought new business opportunities. He eventually formed a partnership with a local company specializing in seafood exports, unlocking access to the Russian and Ukrainian markets and making Shapu kelp a common presence on dining tables in both countries.
In addition to dried kelp shreds, Shuang Hai Jiang Seafood Co., Ltd. also produces a range of other dried kelp products, including dried kelp sheets, dried kelp knots, dried kelp heads, and dried kelp strips. The company also processes nori and provides feed for abalone and sea cucumber farming operations.
The thriving kelp industry has not only boosted the company’s economic growth but also generated a wealth of job opportunities for local villagers. During peak production seasons, Shuang Hai Jiang Seafood Co., Ltd. employs over 100 workers daily, with an average daily wage of around 200 yuan, providing “jobs right at their doorstep.”
In recent years, Shapu Town has been driving the transformation of its kelp industry, shifting from bulk production to more refined processing and expanding into international markets, bringing “Fuqing-grown” kelp to the world.
Wang Yuxiong stated that the company plans to expand into more international markets in the future, aiming to make Shapu kelp a “Fuqing signature” on dining tables worldwide. (Fuzhou Evening News Reporter: Wang Guanghui; Correspondents: Chen Panlan, Wu Guilong)