On 24 September, the EU SME Centre, in partnership with VITARTIS, is organising a webinar for Spanish food and beverage SMEs interested in the China market. The session will provide practical guidance on entering China’s food and beverage sector. It will help businesses understand the opportunities, challenges, and key factors to consider before entering the Chinese market.
Participants will gain an overview of China’s food and beverage market, including the latest consumer trends and market opportunities for Spanish products. The webinar will also cover common challenges and practical market entry strategies. Keynote speaker Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor and Spain Representative at InterChina, will explain key elements when working with importers and distributors, when selling through retail and HORECA channels, and when using cross-border e-commerce. Companies will also have the opportunity to ask their questions during a live Q&A session to gain a better understanding of their market entry options.
This event will be held in Spanish. It is open to all interested SMEs from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme.
Agenda
Thursday 24 September (Madrid Time, CEST)
10:00–10:10
Opening remarks – VITARTIS introduction by Cristina Ramírez, Director, VITARTIS – EU SME Centre introduction by Sara Medina, Board Member, Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovação (SPI)
10:10–10:25
China’s Food and Beverage Market Overview: Consumer Trends, Opportunities for Spanish Brands, and Key Challenges Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor/Spain Representative at InterChina
10:25–10:40
Key Considerations Before Entering the Market Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor/Spain Representative at InterChina
10:40–10:45
How to Enter the Chinese Market? Julio López Castaño, Senior Advisor/Spain Representative at InterChina
10:45–11:00
Q&A session
Eligibility criteria
This event is open exclusively to stakeholders of the EU SME Centre, including:
Small and medium-sized enterprises from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme;
Business support organisations and trade promotion organisations from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme.
Diplomatic representations and public institutions from the European Union, from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme.
Keynote speaker
Julio López Castaño
Senior Advisor & Spain Representative, InterChina
Julio López Castaño is the Senior Advisor – Spain Representative at InterChina, a leading advisory firm supporting foreign corporations in China and Chinese companies abroad, with a focus on strategy, M&A, and joint ventures.
With over 30 years of global experience across food & FMCG, energy, IT, and retail, he brings strategic guidance to companies undergoing business transformation, international expansion, and cross-border transactions. Julio also has deep, hands-on experience doing business in China, including several years living and working in the region.
