Doors Open For EU Firms

China presents business opportunities for the European food and beverage industry says Commissioner, especially for products that have already gained recognition on that market.
Affluent populations are growing in China, as a result of industrialisation and more people are choosing western diets (rich in meat and dairy, different baked foods) instead of traditional Chinese foods.
This week the EU’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Mariann Fischer Boel is leading a delegation of 11 European food firms to China, under the ‘Tasty Europe’ banner. The aim is to kick start a promotional effort to increase joint business opportunities in the agri-food sector between the EU and China, reports apfoodtechnology.com.
The food industry executives represent products already present in various markets in China which have the potential to expand. Two representatives come from the dairy sector, two from meat and two from fresh fruit, while one represents cereal based products, fruit and juices. Spirits, wine, olive oil and potatoes are also included.
Fischer Boel pointed out that the EU’s agricultural trade with China has grown by some 82 per cent in the last four years. According to the CIAA, the EU’s total food and drink exports (to all markets) amounted to €54.7bn in 2007.
The delegation coincides with the 10th annual SIAL food and beverage trade show in Shanghai, which took place from 19 – 21 May.