In 2011 China surpassed the US as the world’s largest consumer market for the food and beverage (F&B) industry with the Chinese National Bureau of Statistics reporting an annual growth rate of around 15% in F&B imports for the previous 5 years, totalling around $98 billion by 2012.

Chinese demand for imported F&B products, fuelled by food safety concerns involving domestically produced products such as the ‘tainted milk scandal’ has since continued to rise, with around 60% of Chinese consumers preferring foreign brands[1].

This increased demand serves as a boon to potential F&B producers looking to break into the China, however there are many pitfalls to avoid, and it is important for importers and producers to make sure their brand, and their products are protected before entering the Chinese market. This week we’ll be discussing the essential steps for F&B importers and producers considering taking the plunge into China’s F&B market.

Continue reading “Supermarket Self-Defence: China IP for the F&B Industry” »