Jilin modified starch producer integrates into global food supply chain

Corn and potatoes from the fertile black soil of Northeast China are processed into modified starch at the factory of Jilin Huahao Huafeng Biotechnology in Jilin city, Jilin province, before integrating into the global food supply chain.

Modified starch can make ketchup smooth and resistant to separation, enhance the elasticity and moisture retention of sausages and surimi products, prevent frozen dumplings from cracking and collapsing, and help fries lock in moisture and reduce oil absorption, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior.

"The unique texture of McDonald's fries owes a lot to modified starch," explained Yang Fan, operation general manager of the company.

Walking into the company's workshop, the machines hum quietly as the fully automated production line runs in a closed loop.

In the control room, the production processes such as feeding, drying, and packaging are clearly visible.

Ordinary starch undergoes physical, chemical, or biological modifications to produce specialized products with different functions.

After being packaged, the goods are shipped to destinations around the world, including Russia, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and Chile.

With an annual production capacity of 150,000 metric tons, the company produces 158 types of modified starch, covering the entire food industry chain.

It has established strategic partnerships with McDonald's Corporation and UK-based Tate & Lyle, placing it in the top tier of China's food-grade modified starch producers.

"Overseas clients focus primarily on stable raw material supply and standardized production systems during their evaluations," said Yang. "As an inland enterprise, we have to break through without relying on coastal advantages by aligning with global export standards from the project planning stage."

"We are equipped with various international certifications, store raw grains nearby, and convert them locally to shorten supply chains," he said. "Additionally, relying on local customs facilitation and land-sea transport channels, we have connected inland factories to international markets."

The application boundaries of modified starch are continuously expanding. Besides the food sector, exports of modified starch for feed, textiles, paper, and pharmaceuticals are also steadily growing.

On the industrial front, Jilin enterprises are focusing on expanding into Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets while maintaining their traditional markets in Russia, Japan, and South Korea.

Jilin's corn starch content remains stable at over 71 percent, and the supply of raw potato materials is abundant and stable, providing a solid foundation for the starch deep-processing industry.

Leveraging this advantage, Jilin's corn deep-processing industrial cluster continues to grow. In addition to modified starch, corn-derived products like amino acids and citric acid are also exported in bulk, forming a diverse export matrix.