Nov. 5 – In 2012, Beijing increased by 53% its food imports, establishing a growing trend for the following two years. This demand can be intercepted by foreign operators, and this is why Parma’s International Food Exhibition Cibus has decided to attend the “World of Food Beijing” Fair, which will take place November 26-28 at the China National Convention. The fair organizers, the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs, and Anuga / Fiera di Colonia will bring together exhibitors and importers, distributors, wholesalers and hotel operators from one of the most populous and prosperous areas in China. The Beijing area’s food and beverage market has been explored less than the ones of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Thanks to the strong partnership with Anuga, Cibus will bring to Beijing a group of Italian food companies to exhibit their products and participate in meetings with the great local distribution chain, using the original model designed by Fiere di Parma: the “Store Check”, meetings between Italian managers and local officials directly in the store. World of Food Beijing hosts 1,000 exhibitors from 20 different countries and is expected to attract 30.000 visitors. The megacity of Beijing has over 20 million inhabitants, and in 2012 imported food for €5.5 billion (compared to the €4.53 million imported in Shanghai). Equally significant is food demand from the surrounding region of Tianjin and the neighboring northern regions of Hebei, Shanxi and Mongolia. China’s interest for Italian food grows year after year: in the first 10 months of 2013, imports from Italy increased by 11.9% compared to the same period of 2012, for a value of €225 million. The rapid and impetuous change in consumption patterns foreshadows a great potential for Italian exports. (Red)
