Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

Founded in 2019, STARFIELD Plant-Based, operated under Xiaogan Xingqijiu Food Technology Co., Ltd., is one of China's pioneering plant-based food technology companies. Headquartered in Xiaogan, Hubei Province, China, the company has quickly emerged as a leader in alternative protein innovation, producing next-generation meat substitutes for the growing flexitarian and vegetarian market across Asia.

Core Business and Mission

STARFIELD’s core business revolves around the research, development, and commercialization of plant-based food products, with a particular emphasis on meat analogues. The company’s mission is to promote sustainable food systems by providing tasty, nutritious, and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional animal products. It leverages food science, biotechnology, and partnerships with the catering and foodservice industry to bring high-protein, low-carbon options to mainstream consumers.

Product and Service Offerings

STARFIELD’s product line is focused on delivering high-performance plant-based meat products that mimic the texture, appearance, and taste of real meat. Key offerings include:

• Plant-Based Protein Foods:
  • Multi-Vegetable Taiwanese Sausages (one of their flagship SKUs)
  • Plant-based minced meat for dumplings, burgers, and stir-fry
  • Shredded meat analogues for Chinese stir-fried dishes
  • Plant-based pork and beef-style cuts
• Business Solutions:
  • Custom-formulated plant-based proteins for foodservice and restaurant chains
  • Co-branding with restaurant partners for limited-time offerings and menu innovation
• Distribution Channels:
  • Catering partnerships with major Chinese restaurant chains
  • B2B sales to ready-meal manufacturers and central kitchens

Specialisation and Core USP

STARFIELD’s unique value proposition lies in its fusion of traditional Chinese culinary formats with modern food tech. Unlike Western plant-based brands that focus on burgers and nuggets, STARFIELD has tailored its products to fit Asian dishes including dumplings, stir-fries, buns, and local snacks. Its proprietary fiber structuring process allows plant-based proteins to achieve meat-like chewiness, making it highly adaptable in hot and oily Chinese cooking techniques.

Key differentiators include:

• Localized Innovation: Flavors and formats designed for Chinese consumers
• Strategic Foodservice Integration: Partnerships with over 100 restaurant brands including HeyTea, Nayuki, Tim Hortons China, and KFC China (pilot programs)
• Sustainable Sourcing: Uses non-GMO soy, pea, and mushroom proteins
• High Nutritional Value: Products are high in fiber, protein, and free from cholesterol

Financials and Growth

Despite being a relatively young company, STARFIELD has seen rapid expansion:

• Total Funding Raised: Over RMB 800 million (approx. USD 110 million) as of 2022
• Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital China, Sky9 Capital, Lightspeed China Partners, and CMC Capital
• Valuation: Estimated over USD 300 million as of last funding round
• Revenue (Estimated 2022): RMB 200–300 million (approx. USD 28–42 million)
• R&D Investment: 20% of revenue reinvested annually in food science innovation

Shipments and International Trade

While STARFIELD’s primary market is domestic China, the company has initiated pilot exports to neighboring countries:

• Export Status: Initial shipments to Singapore and Hong Kong for premium foodservice testing
• Trade Focus: Seeking B2B expansion into Southeast Asia through cloud kitchens and restaurant groups
• Production Capacity: Two production bases in Hubei Province with capacity to scale up to 50,000 tons annually

According to TradeAtlas and Chinese customs databases, trial exports have occurred to Singapore and Malaysia under B2B foodservice contracts.

Target Market

• Chinese millennials and Gen Z consumers seeking ethical food choices
• Flexitarians aiming to reduce meat consumption for health and environmental reasons
• Foodservice providers looking for plant-based menu innovation
• Manufacturers of ready meals and frozen dumplings

STARFIELD's biggest consumer traction comes from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in China, particularly among consumers aged 18–35.

Capabilities

• Advanced Plant Protein Texturization: In-house tech for high-moisture extrusion and protein alignment
• Culinary Co-Development: Partnerships with top chefs and culinary schools for product testing
• Agile Manufacturing: Ability to scale production quickly based on demand
• Cold Chain Logistics: Nationwide refrigerated supply chain coverage

The company also runs innovation kitchens in Shenzhen and Beijing for rapid prototyping and customer engagement.

Certifications and Compliance

• HACCP Certified Production Facilities
• ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems
• Halal Certification for key SKUs to expand into Southeast Asian markets
• Non-GMO Ingredient Policy
• Compliance with Chinese FDA regulations and export standards for plant-based foods

Customer Testimonials

“As a tea brand focused on healthy innovation, working with STARFIELD to launch plant-based menus helped us attract younger, environmentally aware consumers.”
— R&D Director, HeyTea China

“The texture and taste of STARFIELD’s minced protein is spot on for our dumpling fillings. It’s hard to tell the difference.”
— Product Developer, Chinese Food Manufacturer, Guangdong

Major Achievements

• Partnered with over 14,000 retail stores and foodservice outlets by 2022
• Launched plant-based menu collaborations with major F&B brands like Tim Hortons China, KFC (pilot), and Nayuki Tea
• Winner of FoodTalks Innovation Award 2021
• Recognized by Deloitte’s “Top 50 Rising Consumer Brands in China”
• Opened a new R&D and manufacturing center in 2023, doubling its protein production capacity

STARFIELD Plant-Based continues to redefine how China and Asia embrace plant-based foods. With a tech-driven mindset and deep culinary localization, the company is well-positioned to lead the next generation of sustainable eating across the region.