Rumors of Chinese investment fuel Hyesan factory’s reputation

Residents of Hyesan, Ryanggang province, tend to be unimpressed with food products made in North Korean factories — but they’re making an exception for the Songdowon Complex Foodstuff Factory, whose products have been earning consistently good reviews. That praise has fueled rumors that the factory is backed by Chinese investment, as authorities continue rolling out new food factories under the regime’s regional development policy. Some residents, however, are skeptical that these new plants can live up to public expectations without similar outside investment.

A source told Daily NK on Friday that locals speak highly of Songdowon’s candy and other products, and many believe the factory has Chinese backing and even exports some of its goods to China. That, people say, is what sets its quality apart from other food factories in the region. The source added that Hyesan’s markets currently carry food from factories across the country, alongside Chinese imports and homemade goods.

People favor unpackaged goods over factory products North Koreans generally prefer unpackaged food sold by weight over standardized, prepackaged factory goods, the source said. Unpackaged items can be bought in units as small as 100 grams, which lets buyers adjust quantity to their budget. Unpackaged goods also tend to cost less.

Factory-made goods briefly drew attention after their packaging design improved. But taste and quality fell short of expectations and demand has gradually declined as a result. Songdowon’s products are the exception.

They continue to sell steadily in the market, and people increasingly attribute the quality gap between factories to how each one is run. “Among North Koreans who have tried products from multiple factories, many say other factories’ goods are all mediocre, but Songdowon’s are different,” the source said. “Combined with rumors that Songdowon operates with Chinese investment, people are saying quality only changes when Chinese capital gets involved.”

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