The Danish General Consulate in Shanghai and the Danish Agricultural Council organizes a food promotion event in Shanghai with participation by the Minister for the Environment. The event aims to increase the awareness of Danish food products towards retail purchasing agents, wholesale dealers, importers, foodservice, food manufactures and relevant media in Shanghai.

The Danish export of food to China
China, with its approximately 1.4 billion people, is by far the largest market for food industries with a growing potential as the middle class increases. But at the same time the country has experienced a number of food scandals in the last few years, from the extensive melamine scandal in the dairy sector to poisonous snack food and polluted pig intestines. All of which has created massive awareness of food safety – baby food and milk powder imports through the Port of Shanghai has increased 32.5 % during the last 6 months compared to the same period the year before.

Furthermore, during 2008 a number of negotiations with the Chinese government have lead to increased market access for pork through approval of more Danish slaughterhouses for export to China. In addition to this, a protocol on processed pork products has been signed in 2008 to pave the way for market access for Danish sausages, bacon and ham.

Denmark has a long history as a food exporting country with quality and food safety as hallmarks of the industry and thus the market potential is large. The Danish exports of food and agricultural items to China reached an all time height in 2008 with 6.2 billion DKK constituting 38% of total exports from Denmark to China.

Grocery stores
Shanghai has a population of 18.88 million, a GDP per capita RMB 73,124 in 2008 and a growth rate of 9.7%. The Chinese retail sector is characterised by a large number of companies. You will find Carrefour, Metro, RT Mart, Lotus and Hualian, hypermarkets and shopping malls etc. Most of them are located near the transportation hubs and residential areas. Furthermore, up to 100 supermarket stores and 24-hour-open Lawson Convenience Stores are established in Shanghai. Retail sales in Shanghai went op with 17.9% in 2008 compared to 2007.

Latest update 30.06.09