To capture the "Chinese stomach," food giants engage in intense competition at the CIIE.
New users can click on "International Business Daily" to follow each CIIE. The ., ., and . pavilions are always among the most popular, gathering over a hundred companies in the food and agricultural products展区, allowing visitors to "taste the world" without leaving the country and enjoy a "feast for the senses."
A number of well-known Danish brands have gathered at the Danish Food Pavilion, showcasing products ranging from butter cookies, dairy products, dietary supplements, to natural health products, presenting to Chinese consumers cutting-edge solutions in Danish agriculture and the food sector. Mikael Hemniti Winther, Consul General of the Kingdom of Denmark in Shanghai, told reporters that Denmark's participation in the CIIE for seven consecutive years fully demonstrates the country's sustained focus on the Chinese market. This year, Denmark has focused on food safety and sustainability, which aligns closely with the needs of Chinese consumers. By showcasing Danish innovative solutions and high-quality products, Denmark hopes to further strengthen its connection with the Chinese market, jointly promote the development of the global food industry, and lead the trend with sustainable practices and exceptional quality.
As a "regular attendee" of the CIIE, Danisa Denmark Danisco Special Food Co., Ltd. has been present for seven consecutive years. This year, the company's flagship product, Danisa Danish Butter Cookies, has partnered with the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Denmark to globally debut a co-branded gift box at the CIIE. "Danish Taste" and "Danish Fairy Tales" bring innovative products and experiences to Chinese consumers, jointly conveying Danish cuisine and culture. Moreover, the "China Speed" of exhibits turning into commodities and commodities into bestsellers has fully demonstrated the immense vitality and potential of the Chinese market to the company. At this year's CIIE, they launched small, portable packages of soft cookies tailored to Chinese consumer needs, solidifying their commitment to satisfying "Chinese taste buds" with "Danish flavors." The CEO of Danisa, who once again traveled from Denmark specifically for the CIIE, clearly shows the company's high regard for the Chinese market. He told the press, "Danisa is an old friend of the CIIE. Every year we attend, we bring our utmost sincerity, presenting globally and China-first products, and engaging with more partners to discuss future developments. The CIIE is not only a platform for showcasing innovative products but also an opportunity to deeply enter the Chinese market and get closer to Chinese consumers. We hope to bring more delicious and healthy products to Chinese consumers. I am already looking forward to the next CIIE."
This year marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. The French group, with its multiple renowned brands, has made a concentrated appearance, fulfilling its mission as "a key promoter of Sino-French culinary and cultural exchange." Among the offerings are the familiar Bébé Laita lollipop cheese and the strips of candied orange peel produced using a low-temperature cold-pressed sugar infusion system, introduced by the Sosa brand at this year's CIIE. The exhibition booth consistently blends deliciousness with green initiatives. The President of the Asia-Pacific region, Zhong Baiji, stated, "For many years, we have been in sync with the CIIE, actively seizing development opportunities, deeply integrating into the local market, steadily expanding our business, and achieving remarkable results. As a crucial link and exchange platform connecting domestic and international markets, the growing influence of the CIIE has solidified the group's determination for long-term development and deepened investment in the Chinese market. On the occasion of the anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations, as a representative French enterprise, it is an honor to contribute to promoting cultural, commercial, and industrial exchanges between China and France."
Sinodis, a subsidiary of the group in China, has launched its new digital platform, the "Sinodis Exclusive Purchase" mini program, this year, which is different from bringing delicious food. The platform integrates product inquiry, ordering, online courses, inspiration recipes, and industry trends, consolidating three core functions: brand, product ordering, and value-added services. It aims to enhance customer experience through digital empowerment, providing enterprise clients with a more convenient one-stop solution for the catering industry. Using digitalization to drive a more precise match between gourmet food and demand marks a solid step in the group's digital transformation and localization development process. By integrating online and offline resources, the group continuously expands its influence in the baking, pastry, and dessert fields. "Participating in the China International Import Expo for consecutive years demonstrates our emphasis on and confidence in our business in China," said François Van den Abeele, General Manager of Sinodis. In the future, the company will continue to deepen its understanding of the local market, meet the customized needs of the Chinese market, and provide high-quality products and services that align with local consumption trends, thereby expanding its business in China with a pioneering spirit and empowering the high-quality development of both the group and the industry.
Zespri Group, also from New Zealand, has walked the exhibition path for seven years. "Taking advantage of the CIIE, Zespri can communicate with partners across China. This is the core demand of Zespri's participation in the CIIE. In the current economic situation, strengthening communication and exchange is particularly important," said Shi Jie Jiang, President of Zespri Greater China. During the CIIE, Zespri held an ecosystem development annual meeting, jointly practicing the long-term commitment to high quality in the Chinese market with strategic partners. During the CIIE, Zespri also carried out two activities: the annual project summary meeting of the "Nutrition and Wisdom Education" standardized curriculum for children's nutrition education, and the "Nutrition Sustainability, Health for the Future" sharing session. These activities, in the form of children's health science popularization projects and health lectures, practiced the group's concept of "In China, for China," making the small kiwi fruit a big carrier of healthy dietary culture, injecting new vitality into promoting the development of a healthy lifestyle among Chinese consumers.
Against the backdrop of a general decline in overall fruit consumption this year, Zespri's sales in China have grown against the trend by %, with not only the number of kiwifruit boxes increasing by %, but also the sales of individual kiwifruit growing by more than %, and brand awareness has been enhanced by nearly %. Jiang Shijie frankly stated that Zespri's success in the Chinese market is due to close cooperation with customers, suppliers, and partners. "The 'Zespri Ecosystem' was jointly established by multiple parties, continuously investing in market expansion, channel deepening, brand building, especially in the construction of supply chain infrastructure, enabling Zespri to maintain stable growth amid a sharp increase in supply. This long-term strategy allows Zespri to sustain growth both in favorable and unfavorable market conditions. It is these long-term, mutually beneficial strategic cooperative relationships that provide a solid foundation for Zespri's continuous success in the Chinese market."
Unlike the "perfect attendance" students mentioned earlier, Inos from Australia is transitioning from a "first-time visitor" to a "repeat customer." Drawing on the experience of last year's new product launch receiving enthusiastic responses, Inos has brought a new product specifically tailored for Chinese consumers this time around—a probiotic-grade skincare innovation called "Skin Shield." "Our research shows that over 80% of Chinese women have experienced skin sensitivity symptoms. Although the market for sensitive skin care is vast, there are relatively few targeted products in the oral internal adjustment category, which inspired our product innovation. Consumers are not just looking for products; they seek comprehensive and more targeted skincare health solutions," said the Vice President of Inos's parent company in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking a different path in the probiotics track has filled Inos with confidence: "The launch of this new product marks an important milestone for the company in the Chinese market. This revolutionary oral nutritional skincare solution will offer consumers more scientific and effective skincare choices, further solidifying Inos's leading position in the health and skincare sector."