ICE creams in shapes and hues ranging from Terracotta Warriors to buildings showcasing China’s culture, and even Qipao — a classic tight-fitting dress — caught people’s fancy at the Ice Cream China 2021, which closed yesterday in Tianjin Municipality.

“These ice creams have become more than just common products, they are delicate artworks,” said Feng Chunyu, a visitor at the event.

China’s ice cream industry is gaining steam with innovative momentum amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies in the ice cream industry sought new ways by adding traditional Chinese elements to their products.

“Our company designed hundreds of creative molds and ice cream products with traditional Chinese elements, such as ice cream shaped like buildings and figures depicting ancient Chinese culture,” said Han Jun, CEO of Nicole Mold, a silicone mold manufacturer.

“Although many scenic spots were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, we cooperated with more than 300 of them in China, launching unique ice cream products in the shape of iconic buildings or cultural relics, which attracted tourists,” Han said.

The company’s sales saw robust growth in the first nine months of this year, nearly double that of last year, according to Han.

Over 300 companies, including Nicole Mold, gathered at the three-day fair to show their latest innovative products.

“Though the pandemic affected the ice cream industry, it has encouraged related companies to innovate and change their sales patterns,” said Zhang Jiukui, president of China Association of Bakery and Confectionery Industry. With an optimized industrial layout, the ice cream industry enjoys a good development momentum, Zhang said.(Xinhua)