Top names to share industry insights and updates at Shanghai event, which is co-hosted with three of China’s leading wholesale markets

Asia Fruit Logistica has unveiled the high-profile speaker lineup for its China Business Meet Up, which takes place on 27-28 May at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center (SWEECC).

Asia Fruit Logistica launched the Asia Business Meet-Ups earlier this year to deepen its connections in key markets across Asia and build even greater momentum for the trade show’s return to Hong Kong on 4-6 September 2024. 

Following Business Meet-Ups in Jakarta, Mumbai and Bangkok, the Shanghai event is the last and largest edition of the 2024 roadshow series. It features more than 60 sponsors showcasing their products and services and promises unparalleled insights into China’s dynamic fruit trade landscape, according to a media release from Asia Fruit Logistica.

Speakers at the China Business Meet Up include Liu Yan of Xing Ye Yuan, Zespri's Ng Kok Hwee and David Smith of Bloom Fresh

Speakers at the China Business Meet Up include (l-r): Liu Yan of Xing Ye Yuan, Zespri’s Ng Kok Hwee and David Smith of Bloom Fresh

Industry leaders share valuable insights

The two-day event includes an information-packed programme of talks and discussions on the fast-moving China market organised by Asia Fruit Logistica’s knowledge partner, Asiafruit Magazine.

Opening keynotes are delivered by three influential personalities in China’s fresh produce industry. Ye Canjiang, chairman of Guangzhou Jiangnan wholesale market, Mi Yalin, chairman of the Sunhola Group and operator of Gaobeidian wholesale market as well as Liu Xiongjie, general manager of Shanghai’s Huizhan wholesale market, share their views and set the stage for the event.

Clark Xiao of Trendforsee Consulting and Pagoda’s Peter Zhu take a deep dive on the new market landscape for fruit retail in China. Dani Geng of Joy Wing Mau provides a trade perspective on the evolution of the China market while Zespri’s Ng Kok Hwee outlines the kiwifruit marketer’s innovative new consumer marketing campaigns.

The programme also looks at what’s next for key fruit categories such as durians, blueberries, and pears. A panel discussion featuring Dole Food’s Andy Zhang, Marc Evrard of BFV, Guangzhou Qinguo’s Terrance Li and Jacky Qin of Pacific Pace explores the growth potential for imported pears in China.

China’s burgeoning blueberry market has been growing at around 40 per cent annually over the past five years, and Driscoll’s’ Jae Chun discusses the current state and future outlook for the industry.

Spotlights on leading global fruit suppliers to the China market – Chile and Peru – feature updates from Frutas de Chile and PromPeru on their new initiatives to expand sales and increase consumer demand.

Turning the focus to China’s fresh produce exports, Ivy Chen of Sinolychee and Liu Yan of Xing Ye Yuan share their insights on the latest trends and opportunities in key overseas markets.

Intellectual property (IP) varieties are fuelling China’s growth and diversification as a fresh produce supplier. Bloom Fresh’s David Smith and Zhao Yi of Lusheng Law Firm discuss some of the exciting new varieties coming to market and share their expertise on protecting and developing IP in China.

View the full programme and speaker lineup here.

Sponsors showcase premier products

The programme of expert talks and discussions at the China Business Meet Up runs alongside a bustling B2B expo. Sponsor booths have already sold out for the event, according to the release, with more than 60 top companies set to showcase their high-quality products and services.

Sponsors include major Chinese companies such as Goodfarmer, Joy Wing Mau, Pagoda, Pengsheng, Qifeng, Reemoon, Shenzhen Asia Global, Chen’s Sun, Yang’s and Yidu Group. The lineup also features leading international names, such as Blue Whale, Frutas de Chile, Sunkist, Sun Pacific, and Zespri.

Liu Xiongjie, general manager of Shanghai Huizhan Fruit and Vegetable Management Co, said the three wholesale market partners were delighted to co-launch the China Business Meet Up with Asia Fruit Logistica.

“This landmark event not only provides a platform for domestic and international fresh produce brands to showcase their premier products and expertise; it also brings together industry professionals from across the entire supply chain to exchange knowledge and explore collaboration,” he said.

“The China Business Meet Up will help forge global partnerships, drive technological innovation, and elevate industry standards, propelling the sustainable growth and development of the business.”

Asia Fruit Logistica said it is looking forward to welcoming trade visitors from all over the world to its China Business Meet Up, including leading suppliers, buyers, retailers, logistics companies and providers of technology and services throughout the supply chain.

Industry professionals can secure their complimentary entry to the China Business Meet Up by registering online by Friday 24 May. Online registration closes at midnight on 24 May, after which visitors can register onsite for Rmb88 per ticket. Register here.