On February 25, 2026, as the first rays of the morning sun bathed the vibrant coastal city of Xiamen in golden light, XIAMEN AMOYTOP IMPORT & EXPORT CO., LTD. — proudly known as Amoytop Foods — marked a momentous occasion. Today, the ninth day of the first lunar month (正月初九), the company held its highly anticipated resumption of work ceremony, or “kaigong” (开工仪式), at its head office in the bustling Software Park Phase II. This date holds profound cultural significance, especially for the Hokkien community that forms the heart of Xiamen’s business landscape. Known as “Bai Tian Gong” or the birthday of the Jade Emperor (Tian Gong), it is a day of deep gratitude, renewal, and fervent prayers for safety, prosperity, and abundance in the Year of the Fire Horse.
The air was thick with excitement and the faint scent of incense as employees, executives, and special guests gathered under red lanterns and festive banners emblazoned with auspicious phrases like “开工大吉” (Kaigong Daji — Auspicious Start of Work) and “马到成功” (Ma Dao Cheng Gong — Immediate Success, playing on the Horse zodiac). Firecrackers echoed through the compound in controlled bursts, symbolizing the warding off of evil and the ushering in of good fortune. Traditional lion dancers, their vibrant costumes shimmering in red and gold, performed energetic routines, leaping and prancing to the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals. The lions “ate” fresh sugarcane stalks — a quintessential Hokkien symbol for “kam sia” (thank you) — representing gratitude to the heavens and the community that has supported the company through another successful year.
Amoytop Foods, a leading exporter of premium canned foods since its founding in 2009, chose this culturally resonant day deliberately. With its head office in Xiamen and holding factories in Zhangzhou and Dangshan, the company has grown into a trusted name in the global food industry. Specializing in canned vegetables, fruits, seafood, and edible fungi, Amoytop supplies high-quality products under its own trademarks “HOPELAND” and “FRESHSIMLE.” These brands embody the company’s philosophy: products rooted in the fertile lands of China that bring hope and fresh smiles to tables worldwide.
The ceremony began promptly at 8:30 a.m. with a traditional Bai Tian Gong prayer session. A grand altar was meticulously set up at the entrance of the main building, adorned with offerings that reflected both heritage and the company’s core business. Towering stalks of sugarcane flanked platters of fresh fruits — pineapples, lychees, and oranges — alongside symbolic items like longevity noodles, fa gao (prosperity cakes), and roasted meats. Employees, dressed in smart business attire accented with red scarves for good luck, took turns lighting incense and bowing three times while reciting prayers for smooth operations, bumper harvests in the supply chain, and flourishing exports in 2026. The General Manager, speaking in both Mandarin and the melodic Hokkien dialect, led the group in invoking the Jade Emperor’s blessings: “May the Fire Horse gallop forward with energy and strength, carrying Amoytop to new heights of success and harmony.”
Following the spiritual segment, the program transitioned into motivational speeches that highlighted the company’s journey and ambitious vision. The founder and CEO took the stage, his voice resonating with pride and optimism. “Dear colleagues, today is not just our first day back after the Spring Festival holiday — it is a powerful symbol of resilience and forward momentum. From February 14 to 24, we paused to celebrate with our families, recharging our spirits in the true spirit of the Spring Festival. Now, on this auspicious ninth day, we reopen our doors with renewed vigor. In 2025, despite global challenges, Amoytop achieved record export volumes, shipping thousands of containers of canned sweet corn, baby corn, water chestnuts, pineapple chunks, straw mushrooms, lychees, and an expanding range of seafood delicacies to markets across South America, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Our clients trust us because every can represents the freshness of Chinese farmland, the precision of our production lines, and the dedication of our 300-strong team.”
He went on to outline exciting developments for the Year of the Horse. “We are investing in sustainable sourcing practices, partnering with more organic farms in Fujian and Anhui provinces. New product lines, including ready-to-eat canned meals and low-sugar fruit varieties, will launch in Q2. Our Zhangzhou factory is undergoing automation upgrades to boost capacity by 30%, ensuring we meet the growing demand for convenient, nutritious, and shelf-stable foods in a fast-paced world. The global canned food market is projected to expand significantly, driven by urbanization, busy lifestyles, and the need for reliable food security. Amoytop is perfectly positioned to lead in this space.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of “kaigong hongbao” — red envelopes containing generous cash gifts and motivational notes. Each employee received one from the leadership team, a gesture that not only brought smiles but also reinforced the company’s family-like culture. “These red packets carry our collective wishes for health, wealth, and happiness,” the HR Director announced amid cheers. “Let this be the year we all ‘ma dao cheng gong’ — achieve success as swiftly as the galloping horse!”
The event featured interactive elements that blended tradition with team-building fun. A lucky draw offered prizes ranging from premium Amoytop product hampers to weekend getaways in scenic Gulangyu Island. Employees shared heartfelt stories of their Spring Festival experiences — family reunions in rural villages, temple visits, and the joy of returning to Xiamen’s dynamic business environment. One production line supervisor from Zhangzhou factory remarked, “After spending time with my elderly parents in the countryside, I feel even more motivated. Knowing that our canned vegetables and fruits reach families across oceans makes every shift meaningful. This kaigong ceremony reminds us we are part of something bigger — a bridge connecting Chinese quality to the world.”
To provide deeper context, the resumption of work after the Spring Festival is a cherished tradition across China, but in Fujian and especially Xiamen, it carries extra layers of meaning. The official holiday period for many enterprises ran from February 14 to 24, aligning perfectly with national guidelines. Resuming on the ninth lunar day allows companies like Amoytop to honor Hokkien customs while signaling operational readiness. In years past, similar ceremonies at Amoytop have coincided with milestones: the launch of the “FRESHSIMLE” brand in 2015, the opening of the Dangshan factory in 2018, and the successful navigation of supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. Each kaigong has propelled the company forward, and 2026 promises to be no exception.
From a broader industry perspective, Amoytop Foods exemplifies the strength of China’s food processing sector. Canned goods offer undeniable advantages: long shelf life without refrigeration, retention of nutritional value, and affordability. In an era of climate uncertainty and logistical complexities, reliable suppliers like Amoytop play a vital role in global food supply chains. Their products — from canned tuna alternatives in sustainable packaging to exotic straw mushrooms beloved in Asian cuisines — cater to diverse palates while meeting stringent international standards such as HACCP, FDA, and EU certifications.
The ceremony also included a tour of the head office facilities, where guests witnessed the latest quality control labs and packaging innovations. Interactive stations allowed participants to sample new prototypes: a zesty canned pineapple salsa and a hearty mixed vegetable medley perfect for quick meals. Laughter and conversations filled the halls as colleagues reconnected, sharing ideas for process improvements and customer engagement strategies.
As the morning progressed toward noon, the energy remained high. A sumptuous lunch banquet followed, featuring dishes prepared with Amoytop ingredients — highlighting how the company’s products enhance everyday dining. Executives mingled with frontline workers, fostering the “win-win” ethos enshrined in the company’s management tenets: Honesty, Credibility, Cooperation, and Win-Win.
Looking ahead, Amoytop Foods is poised for exponential growth. With the Year of the Fire Horse symbolizing vitality, speed, and unbridled potential, the leadership has set bold targets: a 25% increase in export revenue, entry into two new international markets, and enhanced corporate social responsibility initiatives, including support for local farmers and environmental conservation projects in Fujian’s lush hills.
In closing the formal program, the CEO raised a toast: “To the Jade Emperor’s blessings, to our dedicated team, and to a year filled with opportunities as vast as the Pacific Ocean that connects our Xiamen shores to the world. Let us charge forward like the Fire Horse — strong, graceful, and unstoppable!”
The 2026 kaigong ceremony at Amoytop Foods was more than a ritual; it was a powerful affirmation of continuity, cultural pride, and commercial ambition. As employees returned to their workstations in the afternoon — energized, united, and inspired — the hum of activity resumed across the office and factories. Orders were processed, production lines calibrated, and shipments prepared for eager global partners.
For Amoytop Foods, this ninth day of the lunar new year marks not just the end of holiday festivities but the exhilarating beginning of a transformative chapter. In the spirit of Hokkien resilience and the Fire Horse’s dynamism, the company stands ready to deliver quality, reliability, and joy in every can — nourishing homes, businesses, and communities far and wide.
As the sun climbed higher over Xiamen’s iconic bridges and shimmering bay, one thing was clear: with traditions honored, goals aligned, and hearts full of gratitude, Amoytop Foods is galloping confidently into a brilliant 2026. Here’s to many more prosperous years ahead, where every “kaigong” brings new victories and every product tells a story of excellence from China’s coast to the world’s tables.