Food and Beverages Sector Report

 

The Chinese food market is now the fourth largest in the world. Total food and beverage sales in China almost doubled between 2004 to 2008 reaching CNY 800 billion (EUR 84.2 billion) in 2008. Despite a fragmented distribution infrastructure and growing local competition, opportunities for European SMEs to sell their products in China are likely to grow, driven by increasing disposable income, urbanisation, and a growing taste for foreign foodstuffs. Highlighted opportunities for European SMEs in this sector are: wine, cheese, dairy and premium ice cream, pasta, spaghetti sauce/tomato products, olive oil, beer, chocolate, high-end confectionery, pre-packaged biscuits and snacks, breakfast cereal, coffee, and baby food/infant formula.