Twenty-Nine Years of Soy Aroma in Xixing: The Business Wisdom of a Tofu Stall

Recently, Zuming Co. Chairman Cai Zuming and a loyal customer who has cooperated with the company for many years were interviewed for the feature program “Xixing Old Shops New Talk.” In their conversation, they revealed the secrets behind the twenty-nine-year business of a neighborhood tofu stall.

Twenty-nine years of tacit understanding: Quality is the bedrock of trust

At five o’clock in the morning at the Xixing wet market, a gentle soy aroma wafts from Chen Huifen’s stall. That aroma comes from a pristine, square block of Zuming tofu—and from the stall owner’s steadfast commitment over twenty-nine years. In the interview, Ms. Chen shared that she began selling Zuming tofu in 1996 and has continued for more than two decades. The quality of Zuming’s products is what gives her confidence: ordinary people trust it and feel at ease eating it. As she spoke, she took a pack of tofu from the refrigerated case and said, “Look at this texture, and smell that soy fragrance—Chairman Cai’s standards for quality are almost uncompromising.”

Zuming’s commitment: Craftsmanship honors the original mission, safeguarding every ounce of trust

What Ms. Chen calls “uncompromising” is Chairman Cai Zuming’s pursuit of the “True-Fresh-Pure” brand philosophy to its highest standard.

In the interview, Chairman Cai stated that Zuming has an ironclad rule: not a single genetically modified soybean is used. To that end, the company has invested several million yuan in specialized non-GMO testing equipment to ensure that every batch of soybeans passes rigorous inspection before entering storage. Confronted with the challenge of soy foods spoiling easily in summer, Zuming firmly rejects the industry’s bad habit of adding preservatives—even if it means bearing higher costs.

As Chairman Cai put it: “Although costs have risen significantly, we have always insisted on ensuring food safety through quality and reputation.” To make sure tofu reaches households fresh, Zuming has invested heavily in a robust self-operated cold-chain distribution system. With more than 200 professional refrigerated trucks and a delivery team of over 400 people, every block of tofu is transported under strict temperature control from factory to point of sale.

In recent years, as consumer channels have diversified, Zuming innovatively launched a “small-delivery” model that precisely reaches community shops and traditional market stalls. “Small delivery is not only green and energy-saving,” Chairman Cai noted in the interview, “more importantly, it meets the retail needs of community stores.”

Cold-chain freshness is not only efficient; it also penetrates deeply into local markets and satisfies immediate retail demand at the endpoint. This flexible, down-to-earth distribution approach has breathed new vitality into traditional markets amid the modernization of retail—and it enables stall owners like Ms. Chen to offer customers the freshest Zuming products every day.

Shared values and win-win outcomes: Tangible support powers mutual growth

Zuming understands that a brand’s vitality is rooted in every single endpoint and depends on every partner who works with heart—like Ms. Chen.

“You see, my stall may be small, but it’s an important link in Zuming’s sales network,” Ms. Chen said proudly, pointing to the prominent Zuming signage at her booth. That pride comes from the practical, powerful support Zuming provides to its partners.

“The store’s freezer was provided free by the company!” Professional, well-rounded equipment safeguards product freshness and presentation.

“If there’s any product-quality issue and we report it, the company responds immediately. They won’t let us take the loss.” Timely after-sales support, together with an efficient feedback and resolution mechanism, ensures every operator can work without worries.

Zuming and its customers co-manage the business, creating everyday warmth

A small tofu stall is a corner of the everyday bustle on Xixing’s old street—and a vivid microcosm of Zuming and countless partners “managing together and achieving together.” That achievement springs from a journey that begins with product recognition and grows into shared value.

From authentic sourcing to clean processing, from fresh delivery to co-building channels—from a single soybean at the origin to a block of tofu on the table—Zuming has always used “quality, innovation, and excellence” as its benchmarks, continuously delivering ever-better soy products to consumers.

The vigorous growth of Zuming’s “small-delivery” model depends on the participation of many like-minded people. Whether you run a neighborhood convenience store, manage a wet-market stall, or are an entrepreneur seeking a stable, high-quality channel business, Zuming’s mature distribution system, strong brand backing, and comprehensive service assurance can provide every partner with a solid foundation and broad space for development. Looking ahead, we welcome more people to join the Zuming family so we can work together for mutual success, bringing fresh and healthy soy foods to more consumers.