Anti-waste call sobers up China luxury food market .

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Anti-waste call sobers up China luxury food market .
February 20, 2013
By Associated Press

BEIJING — China's suppliers of shark fin, abalone, pricey liquor and other luxury items have been taking a beating since new leader Xi Jinping ordered officials to cut out lavish living.

The Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday that business for high-end caterers in Beijing has plunged 35 percent since Xi's order two months ago.

Xi, who took power in November as Communist Party general secretary, ordered the elimination of banquets and other pomp that has alienated a public that is struggling with high living costs.

During last week's Lunar New Year holiday, sales of shark fin soup at Beijing hotels plunged 70 percent, the ministry said. Sales of abalone and bird's nest soup fell 40 percent.

Read more: http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/international/asia/2013/02/anti_waste_call_sobers_up_china_luxury_food_market

[Nanjing to Seoul]

1. Passing phase. Will go back to normal in six months.

When they talk about Shanghai as well as Beijing, I will be impressed.

Otherwise, it will go back to normal soon.