Wholesale food markets with `Chinese characteristics'

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in the role of the Chinese wholesale food markets in agricultural development and the food distribution system. Despite this attention, very little is known about these institutions and the way that they operate. In this paper, some case studies are used to develop the profile of a number of important wholesale markets. After an overview of the conceptual role of these markets and how they are perceived by Chinese policy-makers, a survey is conducted of some of the leading markets in Beijing, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai. It is argued that gaining a better understanding of these markets will be an important component of analysing the broader food circulation system and food demand and consumption patterns in China.