One of China's most historic catering firms has come up with a new form of fusion cuisine with a contract to make moon cakes for the Canadian Embassy and a group of more than 20 Canadian companies in China.

The Quanjude Group, best known for its Beijing roast duck, is to make the traditional mid-autumn delicacies with a North American twist.

The Canadian moon cakes will come in three flavours: smoked salmon, maple syrup, and ice wine.

They will also be made with flour processed from high-quality Canadian wheat, said Jiang Junxian, chairman of the Quanjude Group.

"Our moon cakes combine one of the finest traditions of the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival with uniquely Canadian flavours," said Canadian Ambassador Robert Wright. "They are a perfect symbol of Canada's long and special friendship with China."

A total of 1,100 gift boxes of moon cakes will be made at the group's Beijing Fangshan Restaurant, a time-honored eatery known for its imperial cuisine.

The moon cakes will be distributed by the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Hong Kong, and by Canadian companies to Chinese clients.

Quanjude was invited to make gift moon cakes for the Canadian Embassy in Beijing last year and the moon cakes were said to be well received.

Mid-Autumn Festival is an important Chinese traditional occasion for family reunions when round moon cakes are necessary snacks. This year's Mid-Autumn Festival falls on October 6.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2006)