Opportunities & Challenges for Czech SMEs in China’s F&B Market

To gain a foothold in China’s food & beverage market, Czech SMEs have to navigate complex import procedures and food safety regulations, among other challenges. However, opportunities for growth are significant, in a market with a high number of middle-class consumers interested in Western food products.

Czech beers and wines, celebrated for their quality and tradition, have a potential advantage as Chinese consumers increasingly seek premium and exotic beverage options. Similarly, dairy producers, particularly those positioned as healthy or organic, can tap into the rising health consciousness among Chinese consumers. By focusing on these areas, Czech SMEs can leverage their quality and other strengths to penetrate and expand in the competitive Chinese market.

In order to support Czech enterprises interested in accessing this market, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Beijing, and the EU SME Centre are organising on 28 June a free conference in Prague aimed at shedding light on the Chinese F&B market and its specificities.

Event registration is available here. 

Agenda

10:00 – 10:20

Opening remarks
Introduction by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
Introduction by the EU SME Centre

10:20 – 12:15

Presentation of the post-COVID Chinese F&B market
Daniel Pedraza, Project Director, EIBENS

This presentation will cover the following topics:

General analysis of the F&B market including its current trends, challenges and opportunities;

Assessment of specific sectors of interest (dairy; beers and wines);

Key marketing concepts;

Recommendations for first time exporters or exporters with a low level of experience (this is the expected key audience, should the partners identify a different kind of attendees this focus can be changed).

A Q&A session will be included at the end of the presentation.

12:15 – 13:00

Overview of the CIFER system and recommendations for trade fairs participation
Alessio Petino, Business Advisor, EU SME Centre

This presentation will cover the following topics:

Overview of the GACC/CIFER system;

Common Issues faced by EU SMEs;

Recommendations for participating in trade fairs and exhibitions in China.

A Q&A session will be included at the end of the presentation.