An array of snacks and nuts on display at a market run by Nantong Agricultural Products Logistics Co [Photo/ntfabu.com]  

Food supplies in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, have seen stable growth as many companies have resumed operations, ensuring balanced demand and supply in the city.

"Taking vegetables as an example, the sales volume is about 1,000 tons per day, while there are 2,500 tons in storage," said Xu Jing, general manager of Nantong Agricultural Products Logistics Co.

"Current pork consumption is about 300 hogs a day, a drop of 8 percent compared to the same period last year," Xu added.

The company has taken strict measures to prevent and control the spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia since the beginning of the outbreak. People have been required to wear masks, have their temperatures taken and show their ID cards before entering the market.

The market, offices and elevators are strictly disinfected every day, while the meat trading area is disinfected three times a day, Xu said.

Around the clock every day,  427 media players have been at the market reminding people of protective measures to curb the epidemic.

An intelligent management system is expected to be introduced in the next two or three years. It will allow operators in the office to monitor stock levels and predict through software the output for the next week, next month or even the next six months.

"The system will also help control the numbers of people and vehicles, so we can keep order in the market," a spokesman said.