China's moon cake business plummets following the country's ban from using government funds to purchase the Chinese delicacies as Mid-Autumn festival presents.

Today, September 8 is the start of one of the busiest and most awaited celebrations all over China.

Part of Chinese tradition includes eating the round-shaped pastries during gatherings and family reunions as well as presenting the delicacies as gifts to maintain camaraderie with business associates and bosses.

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However, recent reports indicate a decrease in the sales of Chinese moon cakes this year especially after the country's anti-bribery act was enforced by the Communist Party of China's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

As compared to previous years, Guangdong province, where Cantonese-style moon cakes are popular, have recorded a significant 50 percent drop on moon cakes sales was this year, amounting to 750,000 yuan, or US$122,117.

In Wuchuan City, the moon cake industry has become an economic pillar with over 200 companies employing more than 20,000 people, according to the Wuchuan Association of Mooncakes Director Zheng Rikang.

After experiencing a loss of over 50 percent in sales, some moon cake factories were forced to close temporarily.

"Many clients waited in line in my office to purchase mooncakes in previous years, but none have come to order and buy the cakes this year," said Liang Weixing, chairman of Fuhai Mooncake, adding that his company has suffered a significant fall in sales despite the fact that they have been offering up to 70 percent discount inn their moon cakes.

Meanwhile, Guangzhou executive Chen Wenxian told China Daily that his company, who was used to buying plenty of moon cakes to give out to associates both in the government and private sector 'to maintain business and work relations,' have stopped after the ban was imposed.

Wuchuan Mayor Quan Kewen have advised the city's mooncake manufacturers to produce products other than moon cakes and promoted exporting the delicacy abroad to help offset the drop in domestic sales.

Tagsmooncake, Mid-Autumn Festival 2014, Guangzhou, Wuchuan, Cantonese-style mooncakes