BioFach China 2009 moves to new exhibition site

The doors of its new location in the INTEX Shanghai exhibition centre open for BioFach China on 27 May 2009. The third edition of the three-day trade fair for organic products, natural personal care and natural products is to attract more than 10,000 trade visitors, and 300 Chinese and international exhibitors are expected. This year, German companies have the first opportunity to present their products in Shanghai in a German pavilion sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV).

Axel Bartkus (picture), Managing Director of NürnbergMesse China, Shanghai, is convinced that this year’s BioFach China will again offer market players an efficient information and marketing platform. During his visit to the world’s leading exhibition BioFach in Nürnberg, Bartkus said how pleased he was about the positive development in the Chinese organic sector. The conditions for entering the market at this particular time are good.
 

Mr Bartkus, how are preparations for the third BioFach China progressing?

The preparations for exhibitor acquisition, visitor promotion, press and media work are in full swing. BioFach in Nürnberg gave us excellent opportunities to contact companies from all over the world and arouse their enthusiasm for BioFach in Shanghai.
 

How would you rate the interest in BioFach China after your many talks in Nürnberg?

Many companies are basically interested in China and we can offer the German companies attractive conditions in the German pavilion. On the other hand, it must be admitted that  there is still very little knowledge of the market in China and how to successfully place products there. It is our job to offer the companies more help and provide them with data, if available, but practical tips on developing the market are also in demand. The companies should be able to start their commitment with a safe feeling.
 

What should be considered when entering the Chinese organic market?

First it is our responsibility to advise potential exhibitors. We are close to the market and can estimate the real demand well. This is the first step. Potential market players should then study the market in detail, and, if applicable, talk to companies with experience of China. Once they have decided to exhibit, I can only advise companies to thoroughly prepare their presence.
 

Can you give us examples of what is especially important for this?

It is essential, for example, to not only provide product information in English, but also a sufficient quantity in the local language and bilingual business cards. The business card is one of the most important instruments for establishing business relationships in China. It is also best to have an interpreter on the stand. Product samples are useful and recommended.
 

Little reliable and up-to-date information is available on the still small organic market. How can exhibitors obtain information?

Obtaining reliable figures for special market segments like those we cover with NürnbergMesse China really is a great challenge, and not only for BioFach. In the case of BioFach, we rely mainly on our partners, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, which provides us with data on area under cultivation, production, and market and export volumes. As far as I know, these are the only reliable data. Unfortunately, there are still no verified statistics for parameters such as the sale of organic products in the Chinese retail trade or the organic share of the total food market. Only estimates have been available for these figures until now.
 

Let’s talk about the food scandals again. What role is politics playing in restoring trust and credibility? To what extent is the organic sector profiting from this?

Politics has reacted quickly and the measures are already in the practical implementation phase. First the State Council passed the so-called Document No. 1, which explicitly supports the promotion of “green” products. This includes both green food (integrated farming) and organic farming and will be reflected in corresponding development programmes. Second a new department for monitoring food safety has been set up in the Ministry of Agriculture. Various organizations are also concerned with spreading the organic idea. Something is now definitely being done and I am convinced this will be effective. The ministry’s support for BioFach is also a clear indication of the political interest in improving organic.
 

What are your specific expectations for BioFach China?

We have set ourselves a clear target: we want to attract 300 exhibitors to Shanghai. In this respect, we are delighted to be able to offer the first pavilion sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV). This is a really positive signal. After last year’s figure of 9,143 visitors, we want to top the 10,000 mark this year. 
 
BioFach China takes place on the INTEX Shanghai exhibition site from 27-29 May 2009. 

 

BioFach globally – events in 2009:

• BioFach India, Mumbai                                                         29 April–1 May 2009
• BioFach America, Boston                                                     24–26 September 2009
• BioFach Japan, Tokyo                                                            7–9 October 2009
• BioFach América Latina/Expo Sustentat, São Paulo      28–30 October 2009
• BioFach and Vivaness, Nürnberg                                      17–20 February 2010
 

Contact for exhibitors International Europe, USA

Miriam Stahel, Nürnberg Global Fairs (0) 9 11. 86 06-86 92

International Asia Pacific, PR China

Jane Jiang NürnbergMesse China Co. Ltd. Tel +86 (0) 21. 52 28 40 20