Small dreams grow into big realities

Global specialties and featured products found their niche in the Chinese market through the Eighth China International Import Expo from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai, and sharing the vast opportunities brought by the nation's openness and vigorous consumption.

The Pacific Alpacas Hometex Group, established in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2001, joined the expo, marking the company's sixth anniversary in the Chinese market and its sixth consecutive appearance at the event.

As a longstanding CIIE exhibitor, its booth has expanded from 9 square meters to nearly 120 sq m this year. Featuring products made of alpaca wool and fibers, the company saw its China business grow by over 100 percent on average each year, and expects its sales to exceed 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) this year in China alone, according to Eric Geng Cong, the company's executive director and cofounder.

Describing itself as a company growing alongside the expo, Geng says they are optimistic about China's market potential, where they see consumers increasingly looking for more "good value" and "high quality" products.

Lok Foods from Colombia, known for its chocolate products, is also drawing large crowds at the CIIE.Joining the expo to gain access to the Chinese market in 2021, the company is exhibiting for its fourth time.

The healthy chocolate, with a high cocoa content, has been well-received by Chinese consumers. Moreover, the company has gained inspiration at the expo, rolling out new chocolate products with toppings such as sea salt, caramel and dried fruits.

"The CIIE is the best show I've ever been to in the world. It's also my favorite because I can see the consumers, the new trends, and the whole world here. Chinese consumers are willing to try new flavors and care about their health," says Maria Carolina, CEO and cofounder of Lok Foods.

She adds that the Chinese market now contributes 15 to 18 percent of its total global sales. Orders from China are helping the company improve the lives of more than 2,000 Colombian cocoa farmers.

Similarly, Richard Dolan, joint managing director of Bec Hardy Wines in Australia, called the expo the "largest trade show on the planet". Participating in the expo for the fifth time, this family-owned and operated wine business from South Australia has successfully found its biggest distributors in China at the expo, expanding steadily throughout the vast market.

"The remarkable number of national pavilions, global brands and medium-sized family businesses that come here each year demonstrates that China is the most exciting, dynamic and open market in the world. It has a burgeoning wine industry, and more Chinese people are enjoying premium quality wines," says Dolan.

Swiss Centers, an organizer dedicated to helping Swiss companies enter and thrive in the Chinese market, has been participating in the expo since 2018. Over the eight editions, it has brought over 100 Swiss firms to the trade show. This year, it gathered 36 brands at its cluster booth, with more than one-third being new to China.

"We are known for product quality and reliability, especially for foods and consumer goods. We hope this exposure can help get them new partnerships and also raise their brand awareness in China," says Guillaume Muriset, customer success manager at Swiss Centers China.

Muriset adds that they are seeing a shift in China, which is putting more emphasis on consumption for economic growth, and will offer many opportunities for Swiss brands.

Lucas Oliveira de Sousa, an expert in agribusiness from the Federal University of Mato Grosso in Brazil, is also closely tracking China's policy and market demands. The only company from Brazil with its own booth, Mato Grosso is best known for its agricultural products.

"China is one of our main partners and main buyers of our agricultural products. We want to grow and strengthen our partnership and friendship — not only commercially, but also culturally," says Sousa.

He adds that the company has benefited from China's openness through the expo. Since their first expo appearance in 2023, they have received several Chinese delegations to their home state, many of whom are searching for new opportunities and are ready to invest in Mato Grosso.