From Fuzhou to the World, Fuzhou Businesses Are Steadily Expanding Their Global Networks
As spring breathes life into nature and everything begins to flourish, the foreign trade industry is also experiencing a surge of vitality and growth.
Competing for orders, attending trade fairs, setting up overseas warehouses, connecting with cross-border e-commerce, and exploring new markets… Recently, reporters learned that local companies in Fuzhou are actively expanding their overseas business and working hard to seize more business opportunities.
At an overseas trade fair, buyers were negotiating cooperation with a Fuzhou company. (Photo courtesy of the interviewed company)
From Fuzhou to the World
“At the overseas exhibition, we secured nearly 5 million US dollars in orders right on the spot. We will send three shipments to North America next month,” said Lin Bin, General Manager of Fuzhou Xuhuang Foods Co., Ltd., who returned to Fuzhou with substantial orders from the 42nd Seafood Expo North America in Boston.
Xuhuang Foods is one of the 10 key companies in Fuzhou, known as “China’s Fish Ball City.” The company specializes in Fuzhou fish balls, imitation crab sticks, and other fish paste products, as well as a range of aquatic products including shellfish, clams, and frozen fish. With an annual revenue of over 100 million yuan, about 90% of its products are exported overseas, serving markets across the world.
Bringing local flavors to the global market is no easy feat. For Lin Bin, attending international exhibitions is a “key move” in introducing Fuzhou’s flavors to the world.
“We didn’t even have our own booth; we had to share one with a partner company,” said Lin Bin, recalling his first experience at the Boston exhibition in 2003. Back then, the two young men took their first step into international trade fairs with five products, including fish balls, fish paste, and clams, thanks to the support of overseas Chinese and local friends.
This attempt paved the way for a surge of business opportunities.
“At first, we primarily targeted Chinese customers, hoping they could enjoy the flavors of home while abroad. However, we quickly found that there was a significant demand for high-end fish paste products in the U.S. Once we showcased our products and invited customers to sample them, they were instantly captivated,” Lin Bin told the reporter. This year, the company showcased over 50 products at the exhibition. Products like fish balls, fish dumplings, and crab sticks gained popularity not only among overseas Chinese supermarkets and restaurants but also attracted the interest of international retail giants such as Walmart. The “flavors of Fuzhou” are gradually making their way to the global stage.
Overseas buyers gave a thumb-up to Fuzhou products. (Photo courtesy of the interviewed company)
From solo shows to collective showcases
We often participate in overseas exhibitions together with Xuhuang Foods. This collaborative approach not only allows us to promote each other’s products but also contributes to building the Fuzhou seafood brand,” said Qiu Weijie, a related responsible person from Fujian Yida Foods Co., Ltd. In his view, overseas exhibitions are more than just a place for companies to secure orders; they are essential platforms for enhancing brand recognition and keeping up with the latest market trends.
As a provincial-level leader in agricultural industrialization and a national high-tech enterprise focused on seafood processing, production, and sales, Yida Foods’ range of kelp seedling products, known for their smooth and tender texture, have become bestsellers in renowned chain restaurants like Haidilao. With the positive feedback from the domestic market, Yida Foods is confident in its continued expansion into international markets.
“Kelp seedlings are a relatively new ingredient in the domestic market. They have huge potential for development in overseas markets,” said Qiu Weijie. In his view, going global means facing competition from similar products worldwide. To stand out, it’s essential to make more innovations and offer superior quality. After a four-year break, Yida Foods returned to international exhibitions, presenting new products like kelp seedlings and asparagus, which garnered considerable attention from supermarkets and buyers.
“To expand sales channels, there’s no better way than face-to-face tastings and discussions,” said Qiu Weijie. This year, the company plans to participate in seven or eight international trade fairs, with the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, Spain set for next month.
“We have always encouraged local businesses to ‘go abroad together.’ It not only allows businesses to support each other and amplify the regional brand effect, but also encourages differentiated development among businesses,” said Cai Jinzhong, President of the Lianjiang Council for the Promotion of International Trade. He added that in the future, more businesses will be organized to explore markets in South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond, spreading Lianjiang’s products around the world.
From traditional markets to emerging markets
Since the beginning of this year, Fuzhou businesses have been making every effort to secure orders, attract projects, and foster cooperation globally.
“Minhou crafts have long been popular in Europe and the U.S., and electronic lighting products are highly competitive in the Middle Eastern market,” said Chen Danfeng, Chairman of Fujian Huiyuan Culture Group, a company dedicated to assisting Chinese enterprises in participating in international exhibitions. Since January, the company has organized more than 30 exhibition delegations to various parts of the world, with over 100 Fuzhou-based enterprises joining these delegations.
“Foreign demand is a significant opportunity that cannot be overlooked. With the global industrial chain currently undergoing adjustments and restructuring, it presents a prime opportunity for domestic companies, especially newer ones, to expand internationally and capture market share,” said Chen Danfeng. In his view, the recognition of Chinese manufacturing brands is steadily increasing. With the emergence of markets in South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, coupled with the growth of new channels like cross-border e-commerce, both established and new factories in Fuzhou are embracing fresh opportunities for international expansion.
“The Report on the Work of the Government this year proposed that ‘We will work to steadily increase the volume and raise the quality of foreign trade,’ providing us with a clear direction,” said an official from the Fuzhou Council for the Promotion of International Trade. He added that we will take advantage of key milestones, such as the 30th anniversary of “China Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month,” to encourage local businesses to showcase their products at international exhibitions, collaborate on business development, and help them continuously expand their global networks. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter: Wu Huazhen)