Agarwood Industry Leaders Highlight Standardization, Innovation and Global Market Opportunities at Shenzhen Expo
SHENZHEN, China — As China’s agarwood industry continues to expand beyond traditional raw materials and into consumer products, cultural innovation and international markets, industry leaders gathered at the 2026 Shenzhen International Buddhist Supplies Expo and Agarwood Culture & Art Exhibition to discuss the sector’s future development.
Among the topics drawing attention during the exhibition was the growing role of standardization, professional training and product innovation in shaping the next stage of the agarwood industry.
Industry representatives noted that China has developed the world’s largest cultivated agarwood sector, supported by extensive planting resources, processing capabilities and a diversified range of consumer products. As market demand evolves, stakeholders are increasingly focusing on quality standards, cultural branding and international cooperation.
One of the industry’s long-time contributors to agarwood identification, training and standard development is Zhou Tianming, president of the Guangzhou Agarwood Association.
Over the past two decades, Zhou has participated in agarwood research, professional training and the development of industry standards. He contributed to work related to agarwood grading standards, cultivation practices, harvesting techniques and agarwood leaf tea standards. He also led the development of training programs for agarwood identification specialists and authored educational materials used within the industry.
Industry observers say such efforts have helped support the professionalization of China’s agarwood sector and the cultivation of a new generation of industry practitioners.
Beyond standardization, innovation was another topic highlighted during the exhibition.
Zhou and his team have developed a series of products based on what he describes as an “ordered agarwood” concept, inspired by the naturally structured resin patterns found in agarwood formation. The product range includes lighting, home décor, wellness and lifestyle applications designed to integrate agarwood into contemporary daily life.
Several of these products, including the Qinan Ordered Lamp and other lifestyle items, attracted attention from visitors during the exhibition.
During a product demonstration, attendees observed the use of the Qinan Ordered Lamp on beverages such as coffee and tea. Exhibition visitors gathered around the display area to discuss the products and their potential applications, making it one of the more talked-about innovation showcases at the event.
Industry participants said the future of agarwood is likely to extend beyond traditional incense and collectibles into wellness products, cultural and creative industries, lifestyle consumption and international branding.
As consumer interest in natural wellness products and traditional cultural heritage continues to grow, industry leaders believe China’s agarwood sector is entering a new phase of development characterized by innovation, professional standards and greater global engagement.
The Shenzhen exhibition brought together representatives from major agarwood-producing regions in China, including Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi and Fujian, as well as participants from several overseas markets, providing a platform for dialogue on industry cooperation, cultural exchange and future market opportunities.
