The Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, together with four other departments, released on Nov 11 a three-year plan to build the city into a world-class hub for intelligent catering.
By 2028, the plan aims for smart technology integration to exceed 70 percent across the entire chain for group catering, fast-food, and beverage and coffee shops, and for intelligent applications to be adopted in more than half of key processes within full-service restaurants.
The plan also calls for strengthened industrial infrastructure, including the establishment of three to five demonstration projects integrating artificial intelligence and catering, as well as a batch of smart central kitchens.
A major focus is the widespread adoption of the smart canteen model in government agencies, schools, hospitals, and corporate canteens.
Supported by online reservation platforms, smart pickup lockers, and AI vision-based payment systems, these canteens will use predictive data to prepare meals accurately, cutting waste at the source.
Automation will play a central role, with intelligent cooking robots, automated rice production lines, and AI nutrition analysts to design balanced menus.
In highly standardized sectors such as fast food and coffee chains, the plan encourages a shift toward unmanned or minimally staffed operations.
Enterprises will adopt smart beverage machines, frying robots, and burger assemblers, while integrated digital platforms will allow real-time monitoring of sales, inventory, and predictive logistics.
Green and low-carbon development is another key pillar. AI systems will optimize ingredient procurement to minimize waste, while intelligent trash sorting and processing systems will help maintain a food waste recycling rate above 85 percent.
Additionally, Shanghai will support catering brands in expanding globally by leveraging AI for market analysis and building cross-border smart supply chains.
To ensure effective implementation, the city will strengthen policy support through fiscal funding and talent development programs.
Source: Shanghai Municipal People's Government