Promising industry

More third- and fourth-tier cities are working to upgrade traditional street food into a scaled industry as party of efforts to boost the economy and raise awareness of such dishes.

They face challenges in building reputable brands, innovating diverse products and increasing efficiency through automated production. Experts said that, as in many other industries, training professionals is a good way to achieve sustainable development.

At a class on luosifen quality control at the industry school in Liuzhou, students were asked to appreciate and assess a bowl of luosifen. Yu Qiaoling, the teacher, told the class, "See it, smell it and feel the elasticity in your mouth."

Chemical analysis followed this sensory evaluation. At another class, students learned and practiced skills to promote products through livestreaming.

One student proclaimed, "The new luosifen product has an intense flavor and only costs 9.90 yuan ($1.53) if you place an order via our broadcasting room."

China's first luosifen industry school was established at Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College in May last year, and soon went viral online, attracting more than 230 million views on Sina Weibo.

According to Gan, the college president, the school enrolls about 500 students annually for seven majors covering the entire food industry chain, from production, quality inspection and equipment maintenance, to advertising, marketing, e-commerce and chain operation management.

Significant progress has been made. The school, helped by some companies, has developed an automated packaging production line, a big data technological information service center, a product innovation center, a quality security control and inspection center, a talent training base and a culture and media service base. It also boasts a livestreaming room and photographic studio for students to learn to promote products online.

Outside the meeting room where the alliance was launched, students at the school displayed a robot they produced that can cook a bowl of luosifen in two minutes. They also promoted the latest brand created on campus.

After graduation, students at the school, which was established by the local government, Liuzhou Vocational and Technical College and companies, are recommended to employers.