Fine Choice Foods Launches BBQ Pork Bao Buns Amid Rising Demand for Asian-Inspired Flavors

SUMM! Brand bao buns deliver authentic taste and convenience as the category heats up across North America

RICHMOND, British Columbia — Fine Choice Foods, a North American leader in Asian-inspired cuisine, has launched its newest product under the SUMM! brand: BBQ Pork Bao Buns. Featuring pillow soft steamed dough filled with sweet and savory char siu–style pork, the buns offer consumers a restaurant-quality dim sum experience straight from the refrigerated deli section.

The launch of bao buns represents an exciting new chapter for the SUMM! brand, long recognized for its spring rolls and dumplings. Fine Choice Foods has rapidly expanded its reach, with Nielsen data showing a 355% year-over-year increase in distribution points, reflecting strong consumer demand and growing accessibility. Building on this momentum, SUMM!’s BBQ Pork Bao Buns are now available in Walmart Canada and will make their U.S. retail and home meal delivery debut this month.

“Consumers want bold, global flavors they can enjoy at home with ease,” said Jason Longden, CEO of Fine Choice Foods. “Our BBQ Pork Bao Buns deliver that experience — high quality, authentic taste in a format that fits modern lifestyles.”

According to recent research from Growth Markets Reports, North America and Europe are emerging as high-growth markets, driven by the rising popularity of Asian cuisine and the increasing presence of bao buns in mainstream retail and foodservice channels.

According to Verified Market Reports, the global char siu (BBQ Pork) bao market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.2 percent. In North America, bao searches have increased 11 percent year-over-year, with more than 196,000 monthly searches, reflecting rising consumer interest.

The SUMM! offering stands out with its quick reheating options, clean ingredients, and premium packaging. Each four-count retail pack has a 30-day refrigerated shelf life and fits easily into entrée, snack, and global cuisine sets.

“We’re excited to introduce more people to the comfort and flavor of bao,” added Longden. “This launch delivers on what consumers want and what retailers need—easy, delicious, high-quality food, making bao buns the perfect grab and go snack.”

About Fine Choice Foods

Founded in 1986 by the Lui family in Vancouver, BC, Fine Choice Foods is a North American leader in producing high-quality, Asian-inspired cuisine. Specializing in spring rolls, gyoza dumplings, Lumpia, bao buns, and the original apple pie roll under the SUMM! brand, Fine Choice Foods serves both Canadian and U.S. markets from its two state-of-the-art production facilities. With more than 300 employees and over 100,000 square feet of space, the company continues to innovate and expand while staying true to its roots of delivering authentic, delicious food. For more information, visit www.SUMMFOODS.com.