In the depths of the vast ocean, tuna, as a high-value marine biological resource, holds the dual codes of technology and economy in every link of its industrial chain. Rongcheng, Shandong, located on the coast of the Yellow Sea, is using full-industry chain innovation as a fulcrum, upgrading the entire chain from "fishing-processing-research and development-market," and writing a new chapter in the transformation of China's marine economy from traditional fishing to technology empowerment.

  Deep Blue Fertile Land: A Century of Accumulation of Natural Endowments and Industrial Foundations

Located in the golden waters of 37° north latitude, Rongcheng, Shandong, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with a coastline of nearly 500 kilometers and a sea area of 12,000 square kilometers. The confluence of the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea currents here forms a "marine ranch" rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, providing a natural breeding ground for marine life. As a county-level city that has consistently ranked first in the country's aquatic product output for 40 consecutive years, Rongcheng has built a full industrial chain system from raw material supply to end products, becoming a benchmark for the transformation and upgrading of China's marine food industry.

The historical context of industrial development is also a history of innovation and evolution: The development of the tuna industry in Rongcheng can be traced back to the 1990s. Relying on policy support and locational advantages, the local area gradually formed a processing system centered on ultra-low temperature cold chain . Since the 21st century, with the rise of enterprises such as Shandong Lanrun Group, the focus of the industry has gradually shifted to high-value-added fields. By introducing advanced equipment and processing technologies, Rongcheng's tuna industry has achieved a leapfrog development from extensive fishing to technology-driven development, becoming an industrial cluster integrating "resource conservation, deep processing, and resource reuse," laying a solid foundation for full-chain innovation.

Driving the Future: Value Reconstruction and Technological Breakthroughs in the Entire Industrial Chain

Relying on cold chain transportation and -60℃ ultra-low temperature warehouses, advanced refrigeration systems and insulation equipment ensure that the tuna maintains cell activity upon arrival at the processing plant. This "from deep sea to factory" full-process temperature control breaks the time and space limitations of traditional fisheries and provides a quality raw material guarantee for subsequent deep processing.

In the sterile processing workshop, the full utilization of tuna presents an industrial aesthetic: Professional teams perform precise segmentation of the tuna, maximizing the value of each fish. Sashimi-grade fish meat is directly supplied to high-end restaurants after strict quality inspection, with excellent fat distribution and texture in the belly area; fish skin and bones are used to extract collagen peptides with a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons through directional enzymatic hydrolysis technology, collagen peptide ，with significantly improved transdermal absorption rate compared to traditional processes, becoming a core raw material in the high-end skin care and health care fields; parts such as the tail are developed into braised and dry pot dishes, achieving "full utilization".

Technology Matrix: Industrial Upgrading from Processing to Research and Development

Technological innovation is the core driving force for industrial upgrading. Shandong Lanrun Group Co., Ltd.'s independently developed "directional enzymatic hydrolysis-low-temperature controllable enzymatic hydrolysis technology" precisely controls enzymatic hydrolysis parameters, making the molecular weight distribution of tuna collagen peptides concentrated in the ideal range, making it easier for the human body to absorb. In terms of product matrix construction, the company has formed three pillar systems: sashimi series directly supplied to high-end catering markets; canned products cover Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian markets; functional products include collagen peptide masks, fish oil jelly candies, etc., achieving breakthroughs in segmented markets.

In this blue territory, the power of technological innovation and industrial integration is emerging. The practice of Rongcheng's tuna industrial chain proves that when traditional fisheries are equipped with technological wings, it can not only activate the deep value of marine resources, but also inject lasting impetus into rural revitalization and the strategy of a strong maritime nation. From the deep sea to the tip of the tongue, from raw materials to technology, this "deep blue industrial chain" is continuing to write a new chapter in China's marine economy. (Sun Yan)

From "China Food World".