Cixi Super Strong Stationery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

The Foundation of Growth: Balancing Perseverance and Innovation

Q1 What is the strategic rationale for Superior's consistent focus on core categories such as market pens and solid watercolors amid the boom of the trillion-yuan art supplies market?

In the trillion-yuan art supplies market, many brands opt for an extensive product layout, yet Superior’s strategic focus on core categories including marker pens and solid watercolors is rooted in in-depth market research and strategic planning. We hold the view that while the art supplies industry boasts a large overall scale, genuine market opportunities are often found in niche segments.

Marker pens and solid watercolors perfectly cater to the rapidly expanding professional vertical tracks such as professional art education, commercial illustration and creative artistry. These categories feature high user stickiness and repeat purchase rates, alongside relatively high technical entry barriers—all of which enable us to build differentiated product advantages.

This focus strategy also allows us to steer clear of red-sea competition in the traditional art supplies market. Unlike highly saturated categories such as pencils and regular watercolor pens, marker pens and solid watercolors are better aligned with the demands of modern creators in terms of portability, color rendering and scenario adaptability. Particularly with the rise of emerging creative forms including bullet journaling, anime design and outdoor sketching, deepening our presence in these categories helps us establish a robust brand barrier in niche markets.

From a product perspective, the ink formulations and nib craftsmanship of marker pens, as well as the pigment properties and solubility of solid watercolors, all require sustained and focused R&D investment for continuous optimization. By concentrating resources, Superior has been able to deepen these core technical capabilities, forging a competitive moat in patents and product quality—this directly underpins our brand positioning as a Professional Expert in Art Supplies. We not only keep developing professional color systems, but also strengthen our authoritative professional image in vertical fields by participating in industry standard-setting and co-creating content with professional artists and creators.

This strategy is also aligned with the latest consumption and art popularization trends. Against the backdrop of advancing aesthetic education policies and the rise of pan-art consumption, art supplies are evolving from mere tools into carriers of creative experience. Portable products with strong expressive power can be more seamlessly integrated into diverse online and offline creative scenarios.

With core categories as the fulcrum, Superior has gradually expanded its product portfolio to include complementary items such as specialty art paper and auxiliary tools. This approach not only preserves strategic focus and resource efficiency, but also fosters an interconnected and synergistic product ecosystem. Ultimately, our focus is not limited to existing products, but extends to the upstream and downstream of user value based on core categories, as we commit to delivering long-term professional empowerment and realizing our brand vision.

Q2 In the face of market changes, how does Superior embody "perseverance" and "innovation" in deepening professional expertise, and driving technological and model innovation? 

The art supplies industry is less susceptible to economic cycles, yet demand for niche categories may shift with evolving artistic trends.

Superior adapts to health and environmental trends by continuously iterating core products—such as developing eco-friendly formulations—allowing us to flexibly respond to market changes and mitigate risks.

Meanwhile, building on our professional reputation and adhering to the corporate philosophy of Technological Innovation, Quality First, Superior is transforming from a mere art supplies supplier into a creative solutions provider. We put users at the center of our operations and deliver enhanced, user-centric services.

Channel and Product Innovation: Bridging the "Last Mile" for Global Expansion

Q3 Amid the growing global demand for eco-friendly art supplies, what specific measures has Superior taken in green material R&D and product formula optimization?

Across marker pens, watercolor pigments and other product lines, we have fully adopted water-based systems, significantly reducing the use of volatile organic solvents.

For auxiliary fillers, we source food-grade raw materials including food-grade gum arabic powder, maltodextrin and honey. In addition, all our export products use raw materials that comply with the laws and regulations of the target markets.

Q4 Does digital art creation impact product R&D and market expansion for traditional art supplies enterprises?

Digital art creation has a certain impact on traditional art supplies, yet it falls short in delivering the tactile experience of traditional art—such as color fluidity and layered brushstrokes. Many artists now adopt a hybrid approach of digital sketching combined with traditional painting, which has emerged as a new trend. Going forward, the integration of digital and traditional art will drive the diversified development of creative artistry.

Future Outlook: The Global Mission of Chinese National Art Supplies Brands

Q5 What new trends do you anticipate for the overseas expansion of Chinese national art supplies brands in the next 5 to 10 years?

First is green manufacturing: brands will adopt non-toxic, eco-friendly raw materials for production, and use biodegradable materials to replace plastics for packaging.

In terms of technology, the integration of technological innovation and new material R&D will ensure that finished artworks can be preserved for the long term, without fading, warping or mildewing.

Q6 What experience has Superior accumulated in overseas market expansion, and what suggestions can you offer to local art supplies enterprises looking to go global?

First and foremost, adhere to the principle of Technological Innovation, Quality First. In recent years, Superior has gradually expanded its overseas footprint from North America and Australia to Europe and Southeast Asia, with a steadily growing customer base. This achievement is attributable not only to our superior product quality, but also to our foreign trade team’s active participation in influential international exhibitions. Meanwhile, digital marketing on cross-border e-commerce platforms and social media has become a key channel for customer engagement and connection.

For local art supplies enterprises pursuing global expansion, quality must be the foundation. Enterprises should shift from low-price competition to high-value-added offerings through advanced design concepts, sophisticated craftsmanship and strong brand influence, and build internationally renowned national brands. We should not only be product sellers, but also cultural ambassadors—exporting Chinese culture and elevating the international influence of Chinese aesthetics.

Q7 What are your expectations for the 120th China Stationery Fair (CSF)?

We hope the 120th China Stationery Fair will bring abundant customer resources, create more opportunities for national brands to go global and even take center stage on the world stage, and fuel the development of China’s economy. We also wish the fair a complete success, that it will spark more creative inspiration, and let the world witness the boundless potential of Chinese enterprises.

About Superior

Cixi Super Strong Stationery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Superior) is a professional manufacturer of a diverse range of art supplies, incuding marker pens, water brush pens, fine liner pens and solid watercolors. Boasting a comprehensive operational system, a dedicated R&D team and a full suite of advanced production equipment, we have robust manufacturing capabilities, with our products sold in markets around the globe.