From global farms to local plates

At the 8th CIIE, Freshippo, the grocery and fresh goods retail chain under Alibaba Group, reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Silver Fern Farms, a New Zealand-based processor, marketer and exporter of meat products. The companies signed an 80-million-yuan order and established Freshippo's first direct sourcing base for New Zealand beef and lamb.

"We have been in China for more than 20 years and have participated in all eight editions of the CIIE," says Lu Shengye, general manager of Silver Fern Farms in China. He describes the company's journey in three stages: initial curiosity and showcasing, confidence-building during the pandemic, and now deeper cooperation and future planning.

Lu adds that the company's business in China has grown about 12 percent this year, following an average annual growth of around 10 percent over the past three years.

"Our stable growth comes from entering the chilled meat sector early and partnering with outstanding retailers like Freshippo. This success is also thanks to platforms like the CIIE," he notes.

According to Chen Hua, general manager of fresh produce procurement at Freshippo, the products brought by exhibitors each year are improving in quality and becoming increasingly tailored to Chinese consumer preferences.

"Every year at the CIIE, we assess how well consumer demand aligns with supply. The total value of our contracts with overseas suppliers has grown by 40 to 50 percent annually. Currently, about half of the beef sold at Freshippo is imported, and roughly 50 percent of the fruit is imported," Chen says.

US-based Cargill marked its eighth year at the CIIE by presenting more than 100 innovative products and solutions, many making their global or China debut. Its exhibits covered the agricultural supply chain, animal nutrition and health, and food and beverage consumption.

"CIIE is not only a stage for us to showcase our innovation, but also an important platform for mutual empowerment and shared growth with the local market," says Guan Huili, president of Cargill China.

According to Guan, over the past seven editions, Cargill has signed cooperation agreements worth more than $30 billion. This year, the company is expected to sign several strategic procurement and cooperation agreements with partners in grains, beef, animal nutrition and health, metals, and other sectors. The total value of these agreements is expected to exceed $3 billion, further unlocking the collaborative potential of the CIIE platform.

Cargill currently operates more than 50 facilities across China, with total investment exceeding 50 billion yuan. Its network spans sales offices, manufacturing plants, innovation centers and service hubs, all designed to serve the evolving needs of the local market. In recent years, Cargill has continued to deepen and expand its footprint in China.