A worker performing vacuum packaging

Pingtan Island, a coastal gem in Fujian Province known for its rich maritime culture and cross-Straits connections, is gaining international recognition through a beloved local specialty. As the Spring Festival approaches, the fully automated production lines at Songjinji Marine Technology Food Processing Park (Phase I) in Junshan area are running at full capacity, churning out plump, firm mackerel fish balls that carry the legacy of Pingtan's time-honored brand.

These iconic fish balls, named Laosong Fish Balls, are bound for local supermarkets, hotels across Fujian province, and even make their way to Indonesia, bringing the authentic taste of Pingtan to global palates. This is not the first overseas journey for the specialty—Its route to global tables was charted in 2023, when a batch was shipped to Pingtan expats starting businesses in Timor-Leste. Orders from Angola and Indonesia soon followed, with the latest Indonesian order totaling nearly 3 tons. It comes from a Pingtan native working abroad who craved the flavor of home. "I craved the taste of home and now my local employees here will also get to try Pingtan's famous fish balls from China," the entrepreneur shared when placing the order. Song Mei, person in charge of Pingtan Laosong Food Co., Ltd., confirmed the shipment with pride.

Building on his family's legacy, Song Mei has steered the business from a roadside stall to a modern industrial park with advanced production capabilities. With expansion plans in the works, the second floor of the processing park has been designed, and a snack food production line is set to be introduced. "We aim to diversify our product range and turn Pingtan fish balls into a travel must-get for friends and family," he said, hoping to send a taste of Pingtan and the island's food culture home with every visitor. He also expressed confidence in the younger generation: "Give them opportunities and a stage, and they will make this small fish ball shine even brighter."