From Pandemic to Progress: A Story of Resilience
When COVID-19 lockdowns emptied Beijing's streets in 2020, Wang Ming, manager of a family-run bakery, faced his toughest challenge yet. But for the third-generation entrepreneur, crises are nothing new. His father weathered SARS and economic downturns over 50 years in the food industry—lessons Wang transformed into a survival blueprint.
The Digital Pivot
Wang's team quickly transitioned to livestreamed baking workshops and contactless delivery during lockdowns, boosting online sales by 120% in 2021. “We turned our kitchen into a studio,” he says. The bakery now collaborates with 15+ local cafes, creating hybrid 'cloud kitchens' to serve booming remote-work hubs.
Community at the Core
Beyond profit, Wang launched a “Bread for Books” program, donating breakfasts to schoolchildren in rural regions. “Businesses must nourish communities,” he emphasizes. This ethos aligns with younger consumers: 68% of his post-2020 customers prioritize socially responsible brands, per internal surveys.
Legacy Meets Innovation
While honoring traditional recipes, Wang experiments with sustainable packaging and AI-driven inventory systems. His advice to young entrepreneurs? “Treat storms as fertilizers—they help new ideas grow.” As hybrid work reshapes urban lifestyles, Wang plans to expand his 'food-tech' model across the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
