KUNMING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- In a surprising twist for a man with a master's degree in nuclear energy from Tsinghua University, Yannick Benichou, a French national, found his professional journey leading him to the insect-based industry in Yunnan Province, China. Since joining Anning Decco Biotech Co., Ltd. in 2016, a firm with a rich history in the shellac market, Benichou has played a pivotal role in elevating the company's international presence.

Shellac, traditionally rooted in ancient Chinese medicinal practices, has evolved into a versatile ingredient, utilized in modern applications ranging from candy coatings and chewing gum to baked goods and even carbonated beverages. Benichou, fluent in Mandarin, confidently showcased samples of shellac while explaining its multifaceted uses.

This natural resin is secreted by shellac bugs that thrive on host trees. With its non-toxic and moisture-resistant properties, shellac has a rich historical legacy dating back over 3,000 years. While its medicinal origins laid the groundwork, its contemporary significance stretches across several industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and high-end manufacturing.

China ranks as the world's third-largest producer of shellac, trailing behind India and Thailand, with Yunnan Province being the predominant contributor, accounting for an astonishing 95 percent of the nation's total output. The burgeoning demand for Yunnan's shellac has surged both domestically and globally in recent years.

Commenting on the advantageous conditions for shellac cultivation, Chen Youqing, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Forestry, noted that the region's mountainous terrain is particularly conducive for shellac trees, offering swift returns and substantial economic benefits. Consequently, shellac cultivation has emerged as a vital income source for local farmers.

Benichou expressed that Yunnan's selection was based on not only its ancient shellac resources but also its strategic geographical position which links South and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the province's infrastructure development over the last decade, particularly marked by the launch of the China-Laos Railway in 2021, has vastly improved connectivity with neighboring countries, bolstering cross-border trade.

In terms of financial performance, last year, Benichou's company recorded impressive figures, garnering sales revenue of 84.37 million yuan (approximately 11.75 million U.S. dollars) with an annual production of 800 tonnes of refined shellac. The products have successfully penetrated multiple international markets, including the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, according to data from Kunming Customs, Yunnan's shellac exports (under customs supervision) witnessed a remarkable growth of 44.2 percent in the first quarter of the current year, totaling 16.87 million yuan. The primary markets driving this growth included the Britain, Spain, Italy, and South Africa.

Looking to the future, Benichou envisions transforming Yunnan's ecological advantages into tangible economic outcomes by enhancing its presence in global markets, while simultaneously contributing towards the rural revitalization efforts across the province.