Arabfields, Farah Benali, Economic Correspondent, China — International food producers are using the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market, as exhibitors showcase agricultural products, beverages and speciality foods to buyers and visitors from around the world.
Held from November 5 to 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, the event has become an important platform for international companies seeking access to China’s large consumer market.
The food and agricultural products exhibition has attracted attention through product demonstrations and tasting sessions. Visitors have been able to sample Canadian and Brazilian beef, Spanish ham, Australian macadamia oil, Russian products and a range of international food brands.
For many visitors, the exhibition offers more than an opportunity to discover new products. It provides a chance to experience different food cultures and compare products from countries with distinct agricultural traditions.
At several exhibition stands, staff members have been preparing food and serving samples directly to visitors. Queues have formed around popular tasting areas, while exhibitors have used product demonstrations and livestreaming to attract potential customers.
The commercial scale of this year’s event reflects the continued interest of overseas businesses in China. According to official figures, the 2026 CIIE has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors, including more than 300 companies from the Fortune Global 500 and other industry leaders.
The total exhibition area has exceeded 440,000 square metres for the first time. More than 480 products are also scheduled to make their global, Asian or Chinese debut during the event.
Food and agricultural products remain one of the expo’s major exhibition categories, alongside consumer goods, medical equipment, intelligent industries, automobiles and trade services.
For agricultural exporters, access to the Chinese market offers significant commercial opportunities, particularly as consumers increasingly encounter imported food products through supermarkets, online platforms and specialist retailers.
However, visibility at an international exhibition does not automatically translate into long-term sales. Exporters must also meet food safety requirements, maintain consistent quality, manage transportation costs and establish reliable distribution partnerships.
These challenges are particularly important for fresh food suppliers, whose products require careful handling and efficient logistics to preserve quality during international transportation.
The presence of companies promoting products through livestreaming also highlights the growing importance of digital marketing in international food trade. Online demonstrations allow exhibitors to reach audiences beyond the exhibition hall and introduce unfamiliar products to potential customers.
The outlook for international food exporters will depend on their ability to turn initial consumer interest into repeat purchases and lasting commercial relationships. China’s large consumer base provides opportunities, but competition among domestic and foreign suppliers remains significant.
The 2026 edition of the CIIE suggests that international companies continue to view Shanghai as an important gateway to the Chinese market. If exhibition contacts lead to distribution agreements and sustained orders, the event could support further growth in cross-border agricultural trade.
For the producers and small businesses represented at the exhibition, the opportunity is both commercial and personal. Behind every tasting counter is a company seeking new customers, a workforce supporting production and a wider agricultural community looking for access to international markets.
As the expo approaches its conclusion on November 10, the real measure of its success will be the business relationships and market opportunities that continue long after exhibitors leave Shanghai.
