Why Participate?

With 1.35bn people to feed, increasing agricultural output is a constant, core goal of the Chinese Government. China’s 12th Five Year Plan places importance on restructuring agricultural production with greater emphasis on sustainability, efficiency and economic effectiveness. China’s desire to transform food production has given rise to demand for global expertise in agricultural practices, animal husbandry, research and development and mechanization. (China’s No 1 central document, the first policy document released by China's central government each year, focused this year on agricultural technology). UK companies have world leading expertise in the development of higher yielding and higher pest and disease resistant crops and livestock production.

As the tastes of China’s fast growing middle class are changing, so is the nature of food retailing in China, particularly in the large metropolis’ like Beijing and Shanghai. International chains such as Tesco, Carrefour and Walmart are expanding in China alongside a growing number of Chinese food retailers such as City Shop, Ole and some smaller boutique food stores specialising in international brands. In November last year, the UK had a large stand at the Food and Hotel China exhibition in Shanghai. Many of the participating companies established business relationships with food importers for products including beverages, confectionery, bakery and snack food lines.

This visit will enable companies, both new to market and with existing business in China, to assess opportunities for their business, further develop their contacts and promote their excellence.