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For the first seven months of this year, China's catering business made 2.5 trillion yuan (about $352 billion) with a rise of 9.4 percent year-on-year, according to a media briefing recently held for the approaching China Food Festival, Economic Daily reported on Sept. 17.

Han Ming, president of the China Hospitality Association, said that by the end of this year, the country's whole-year consumption of catering services would hit an estimated 4.7 trillion yuan.

In recent years, China's consumer market upgrading has been picking up speed, and the catering industry has grown into the major driving force for domestic consumption.

In a guideline recently released by China's State Council, chain convenience stores will be included in the system of urban infrastructure and public service facilities as a measure to boost nighttime business and markets.

Statistics indicate that catering businesses contribute 66 percent to the booming nightlife economy.

"The catering industry plays a significant role in improving people's livelihood and boosting local economic development," said Han.

Chinese cities at all levels are striving to promote economic growth by supporting the catering industry. Meanwhile, a series of nationwide food-themed activities, such as the China Food Festival, brought local specialties to more places, thus driving consumption and promoting local economic development, Han added.

"This year's China Food Festival will be held in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi province, focusing on new forms of food, quality service, and nighttime economy," he said.