China expo turns into global market hub

April 16, 2026 (MLN): The No. 4 exhibition hall at the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, Hainan, has been transformed into a vibrant “global village,” highlighting the growing magnetism of China’s consumer market for international brands seeking expansion opportunities.

Held from April 13 to 18 in China’s southern island province, the annual expo is bringing together premium consumer goods from around the world while fostering partnerships between global companies and local distributors, according to APP.

Despite spanning diverse sectors including health products, food, cosmetics, and lifestyle goods exhibitors share a unified objective: strengthening their footprint in China’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Canada, this year’s guest country of honor, has sent its largest-ever delegation, featuring around 40 companies showcasing a wide range of products, particularly in the health and nutrition segment.

Among them is Canada Royal Milk (CRM), an Ontario-based infant formula and dairy producer, using the platform to tap into China’s vast and increasingly sophisticated consumer base.

The company is promoting its Capriss goat milk powder brand, designed primarily for adults aged 45 and above.

According to the company’s China distributor, goat milk offers easier digestion compared to cow milk due to its smaller fat molecules, making it a preferred option for lactose-sensitive consumers.

Since entering the Chinese market in 2023, Capriss has expanded its retail presence across supermarkets, malls, and leading online pharmacy platforms.

Another Canadian exhibitor, DPA, is showcasing omega-3 seal oil soft capsules.

The brand’s chief nutritionist noted that five consecutive years of participation in CICPE have significantly strengthened its recognition in China, with products now available in more than 5,000 retail outlets nationwide.

Industry representatives highlighted a clear shift in China’s healthcare consumption patterns, with growing emphasis on preventive care, chronic disease management, and wellness-oriented lifestyles.

This trend, they said, aligns closely with their product strategies focused on cardiovascular health, weight management, and overall wellbeing.

Exhibitors described China as a “top-tier” consumer market in both scale and quality, underscoring its strategic importance for global expansion.

Many companies expressed strong confidence in deepening their presence, citing rising demand and evolving consumer preferences.

Inside the exhibition halls, brands are also leveraging digital marketing tools, including live-streaming platforms, to reach wider audiences.

Visitors are being offered product samples ranging from European dairy spreads and French wines to Canadian herbal teas, reflecting the event’s international diversity.

According to official expo data, international exhibits now account for 65% of total participation, marking a 20% point increase from last year.

The number of professional buyers is projected to reach 65,000, up 10% from the previous edition.

The Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development noted that the expo continues to strengthen its role as a major gateway for global consumer brands entering China’s domestic market.

Experts also point to shifting consumption trends in China, with demand increasingly driven by smarter, greener, and higher-quality products.

Researchers from the Development Research Center of the State Council said CICPE is playing a key role in connecting global suppliers with China’s expanding consumer base.

Since its launch in 2021, the China International Consumer Products Expo has hosted more than 3,800 enterprises and over 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions, cementing its position as a leading platform for international trade and consumer engagement in China.

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