The three-day China FVF exhibition in Beijing combines commercial and official purposes. Each year official representatives of the Chinese AQSIQ attend the exhibition. For foreign growers and exporter organisations this is an opportunity to meet with the organisation that can grant or extend market access into China.
As such there are a number of Australian, New Zealand, Peruvian, Chilean, French and Philippines country pavilions that host different trade associations and exporters.
In addition, domestic Chinese growers and exporters are represented. The quality of domestic production is increasing quickly and more companies are investing in growing special varieties and brand building.
Growers want to move away from trading at wholesale markets and try to reach national retailers and retail chain stores directly instead, such as Joy Wing Mau, Pagoda, Sam's Club and Olé. Brand building and having the company or orchard visible is helping this process.
The exhibition itself has grown compared to 2016 with more exhibitors.
News from the fair
New Zealand avocado exporters are hopeful they will receive market access soon, the process has now entered the final stage which entails Chinese officials visiting orchards in New Zealand. It could be as early as Spring next year.
Australia has seen a record numbers of citrus exports to China. 5 years ago the export programme was just getting started, this year total shipments have surpassed 50,000 tons.