Interview – Nancy Yan, CEO of Hansin

We were able to ask a few questions to Nancy Yan, CEO of Hansin, about her company, current partnerships, innovation, future and the Chinese processing tomato market.

 Could you present yourself and your company?
 
I am Nancy Yan, CEO of HANSIN, a pioneering force in China, being the earliest manufacturing company to export aseptic bags. It was founded in April 2006 by me and my family. Back then, China's tomato sauce industry was experiencing a period of prosperity.
 
 
In which markets is HANSIN present for the tomato processing industry and with which products?
 
HANSIN places its primary emphasis on the production of 220 liter aseptic bags tailored for tomato sauce, as well as 5-25 liter packaging options for diced tomatoes and tomato paste, and 1-10 liter aseptic Bag-In-Box packaging specifically designed for tomato juice.
Equipped with our own Injection, Extrusion, and Lamination workshop, HANSIN stands ready to develop fitments, films, and laminates that cater to diverse applications and meet varying barrier requirements. This capability allows us to address the evolving needs of our customers' continuous development with innovative and customized solutions.
 
HANSIN recently announced a partnership with ASI Scambi Industriali. Could you explain the scope of this partnership? 
 
The partnership with ASI is predominantly geared towards bolstering HANSIN's market expansion initiatives in the tomato industry across Italy, Spain, and Portugal. This collaboration entails the provision of expert customer services and technical support, ensuring that clients opting for HANSIN aseptic bags benefit from enhanced sales services and professional consultations.
Simultaneously, HANSIN has strategically established its own company and warehouses in Europe. This move is designed to facilitate customers with seamless customs clearance and swift delivery, bringing Made-in-China products closer to you. Now, our services are not just a distant option but are right by your side, ensuring timely assistance and robust security for our valued customers.
 
Are there any recent or forthcoming innovations in flexible packaging for the tomato processing industry?
 
Amidst the ongoing growth of the liquid packaging sector, HANSIN remains at the forefront, persistently engaging in research and development to enhance application fitments and functional films for packaging bags. Our latest innovation, the "Super Top Flex bags" series, has been introduced with  incomparable flex cracking resistance, marking a significant advancement in our commitment to delivering top-tier packaging solutions.
 
What have been the recent changes in these markets in terms of flexible packaging (volume changes, types of packaging, …)?
And in China specifically? 
 
The Chinese food market landscape continues to thrive and evolve, driven by a growing demographic of health-conscious young individuals who are eager to explore diverse and wholesome flavors. In response to the diverse preferences of our customers, HANSIN not only innovates in the development of aseptic bag films with varying shelf lives but also introduces Saddle bags, streamlining costs by eliminating fitments. Collaborating seamlessly with all filler suppliers, HANSIN has successfully pioneered numerous bespoke fitments tailored to a range of applications.
 
The latest production forecast anticipates a large increase in the volume of tomatoes to be processed in China in 2024. Are you seeing this change in your sales? Any comments on this large increase?
 
As the health industry gains increasing recognition, tomatoes, with their dual role as a seasoning and a juice, have captured the attention of more and more people. This dual characteristic has sparked a delightful trend for tomato products in China. Over the past two decades, the tomato processing industry in China has matured and diversified. Consequently, HANSIN's sales performance in the Chinese tomato industry has shown a year-on-year increase. If the weather during the tomato planting season is favorable in 2024, it could indeed mark a historical peak for the Chinese tomato industry. HANSIN is poised to achieve even greater sales.
In light of this, we encourage more international buyers to choose Chinese-manufactured products. Chinese manufacturing is infused with innovation and a continuous stream of vitality. Whether it's Chinese tomato products or aseptic bags, both are exceptionally mature products. They excel in offering consumers a competitive edge in terms of quality and price.
 
 How do you see the processed tomato market in China evolving over the next few years?
 
China has a well-established history of exporting tomato products, but the China's domestic market has faced a prolonged period of underdevelopment. With a growing emphasis on health and the younger generation's preference for simple and nutritious Western-style meals, the Chinese market for tomato products is currently thriving. From tomato sauce and tomato vegetable juice to tomato powder and diced tomatoes, these products are flourishing and signify a sustained demand in the market.
In alignment with industry demand, HANSIN remains committed to ongoing development, exploring various commercial packaging formats to meet the evolving needs of the market.
 
What is your outlook for the future of Hansin? Any expansion or diversification plans?
 
HANSIN, with 18 years of unwavering commitment to aseptic bags, is deeply passionate about the dynamic red industry. We aspire for our dedication and persistence to be acknowledged by more global regions involved in the tomato product trade. Our aim is to showcase HANSIN as a prominent contributor from China, highlighting the meticulous efforts we invest in every collaborative endeavor.
Looking ahead, HANSIN envisions embracing more localized professional agency cooperation models. This strategic approach is designed to bring our professional services closer to customers, fostering a deeper connection and making Chinese manufacturing more accessible on the global stage.