(Industry News) Driven by evolving consumer attitudes and technological advancement, China's adult products sector is transitioning from quantity-focused growth to quality-driven development. According to the latest data from the China Industry Research Institute, the premium adult products market grew by 45% in 2023, with smart products exceeding 30% market share for the first time. This once overlooked industry is being revitalized through innovation.

At an intelligent production base in Dongguan, Guangdong, fully automated production lines are processing orders for European markets. "We have invested RMB 20 million to upgrade our smart production lines, increasing product qualification rates to 99.8%," said a company executive. The facility has obtained ISO 13485 medical device quality management certification, meeting medical-grade standards.

Leading companies are substantially raising their R&D expenditures. In 2023, major brands allocated an average of 8% of their revenue to R&D, a 5-percentage-point increase from three years ago. "We established a joint laboratory with the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology to focus on new material development," revealed a technical director at a listed company. The industry now files over 1,000 patent applications annually, with invention patents accounting for more than 40%.

Shifts in market consumption patterns are evident:

: Consumers aged 50+ increased by 120% year-on-year

: Individuals earning over RMB 20,000 monthly are becoming core consumers

: Sales growth in third- and fourth-tier cities surpasses that of first-tier cities

"This reflects the industry’s expansion beyond traditional boundaries to reach broader demographics," noted a consumer trends analyst.

Customs data shows that adult product exports reached RMB 5.63 billion from January to October 2023, a 78.2% year-on-year increase. On Alibaba’s International Station, product inquiries grew by 135%, with "smart+" products being the most popular among overseas buyers. "Our overseas business now accounts for 40% of total revenue," said the CEO of a cross-border company.

The China Association for Standardization recently released the "Guidelines for Adult Product Group Standard System Construction," covering product safety, functional performance, and after-sales service. Multiple testing institutions have also launched specialized inspection services to ensure product quality. "Enhanced standards will drive healthy industry development," emphasized an industry association representative.

Eco-friendly practices are gaining traction:

A brand’s first carbon-neutral product sold out within a month of launch.

To address professional talent shortages:

"Talent development is critical for the industry’s sustainable growth," said a Ministry of Education representative.

Industry experts believe that with continued innovation and consumption upgrades, the adult products industry will enter a new phase of high-quality development. By 2026, the industry’s value is expected to exceed RMB 200 billion, becoming an important part of the broader health and wellness sector.