Asia is by far one of the largest growing markets in the world.
As opportunities for food exportation go, Australians will have a tough time finding a selling solution more lucrative than the Chinese industry. In fact, if you’re one of the many food companies in Australia developing and selling confectionery products, it might interest you to know that the amount of service station stores in China is set to quadruple by the end of 2018!
But, how can you make sure you’re taking the right steps to prepare your product for success in the Chinese market? The first step is working with a company that knows the nuances of exportation, From there, it’s all about understanding how the Chinese market differs from the Australian market.
Step 1: Get the Right Flavours
Before you can begin selling your food product overseas, it’s worth making sure that there is actually a market for your product. For instance, in China, people love confectionary and sweet foods, which means that if you plan on selling candy, you’re probably in for a treat. Because Chinese consumers often have brittle teeth, they are drawn to foods that are soft and sweet.
Evaluate the market you are considering entering in depth before you jump in head-first, and you should be able to prevent yourself from making costly exportation mistakes. After all, the best way to make sure that you’re successful when attempting to sell any kind of product, is to appeal directly to your target audience, and their interests.
Step 2: Use the Right Packaging Colours
Wherever you’re selling food and beverages – whether it’s in Australia, or overseas, it’s important to remember that the way you present your product is just as important as the choice of product you attempt to sell. Branding is essential in running a successful business, and the key to successful branding will always be a thorough understanding of who your target audience is.
When exporting to China, remember to ensure that the phrases and words that you use on your packaging translate well. In other words, try to avoid using slang or phrases that might be perceived as offensive in a market outside of Australia. At the same time, try to use the right colours to draw attention. For instance, red is a symbol of joy and good fortune in China, whereas in Australia it’s often used to draw attention to danger.
3. Stick to the Right Sizing and Packaging
In China, consumers are constantly searching for convenience. That means that they may not be as interested in the large product quantities we frequently sell in Australia. In fact, one of the biggest trends for food in China right now revolves around the concept of “Grab and go” food packaging. In other words, rather than buying a huge bottle of milk, Chinese people would prefer to stick to a couple of ounces that’s just enough for what they need at the time.
If you plan to export to China, then your packaging should reflect the grab-and-go trend. For many businesses, this may mean looking for ways to downsize without spending too much on excess materials for packages.
Step 4: Understand the Laws
Finally, at Dynamic Retail Solutions, we can help to make sure that you understand the complexities that come with exporting food to China. However, it is important to make sure that you’re aware of the laws and regulations surrounding the exportation of food. For instance, CIQ stands for Chinese Inspection and Quarantine. This is the list of rules that stand between the Chinese shelves and your product – if you can’t pass those regulations, then your food will be stuck in customs, quickly approaching its sell-by date. CIQ labels include:
- The name of the product
- The contents (ingredients) in the product
- Date the item was produced
- Shelf life
- Instructions on how to use the product
Before you consider any kind of exportation, make sure that you learn as much as you can about the quarantine laws currently in place in China, and ask for help if you need it.
Exporting to China
Successfully exporting a product to China is no small task. However, if you do it correctly, then it could represent the next big step towards success for your business. After all, exporting your food products can open you up to a whole new market of buyers, which means more profits in your pocket!
For help understanding the unique nuances of Chinese exportation, call Dynamic Retail today on 0424 503 837.
