What US policy decisions will do for the innovation and competitiveness of its auto industry and carbon emissions, based on feedback from industry leaders

Reaching consumers in unfamiliar markets is more straightforward through ecommerce than navigating complex and fragmented brick & mortar landscapes. This year over 120 billion parcels were delivered in China, versus less than 90 million in India

If you’re already exporting to China, we’re guessing you’re probably also selling to a host of other countries – markets like Dubai and the other six emirates could be on the list. In the UAE, there’s a good chance you’ve engaged some localisation for the country – culturally sensitive and resonant branding & communications, legal & regulatory allowances, logistics & distribution, and possibly even some new product development and packaging. In China, it’s probable that you’ve also localised the mix. But how local is your localisation?

Welcome to the final part of China Skinny’s Food and Beverage Trends in China series.

The China Skinny team was out and about this past week taking in the latest trends, innovations and happenings in China’s food & beverage and craft beer scene. Attending last week’s SIAL China and Craft Beer China gave us the opportunity to reflect on how the industry has developed since the 2016 editions. Through this three-part series we will share our observations and insights into the notable trends driving the market.

With over a month since inauguration day, we can all agree that the Donald Trump administration has been anything but routine. Although threats of tariffs and the ensuing trade war remain unrealised, the ripples of Trump’s tumultuous tenure have reached Chinese shores.

One month in office and Trump’s practices remain one of the hot topics on Chinese social media. China Skinny have partnered with Findoout to gain insights into how Trump’s presidency is influencing the Chinese consumer market for American brands.

Few markets have experienced changes in the way that China has over the past few decades.

WeChat has taken China by storm.  It is an important part of everyday life for the 550 million monthly active users who are largely Mainland residents, and a vital channel for millions of business accounts hoping to lure Chinese consumers to buy the wares.

WeChat has taken China by storm.  It is an important part of everyday life for the 550 million monthly active users who are largely Mainland residents, and a vital channel for millions of business accounts hoping to lure Chinese consumers to buy the wares.

Your brand has locked in favourable deals with the top-10 retailers in China, including the best in-store placement and positioning of your merchandise and regular point of sale promotions. You’re well placed to reach China’s 1.36 billion consumers, or at least a couple of hundred million middle class customers, right? Unfortunately not.

China is made of many unique markets. Chinese consumers not only vary by geographical location but also by generation. The young in China receive a lot of airtime, and for good reasons; but there is a consumer group in China that many brands, products and services are missing.

Women power is nothing new in China. From Empress Cixi, ruler of the Qing Dynasty to Chairman Mao proclaiming that “women hold up half the sky,” females have long contributed to all aspects of life in the Middle Kingdom. In modern day China, their influence is ever-increasing. Supporting the growth of female power, Alibaba is currently hosting their inaugural Global Conference on Women and Entrepreneurship in Hangzhou. And rightly so, unlike many male-dominated tech companies globally, 40% of Alibaba’s employees are female.

It’s nothing new that Chinese consumers are opting for food and beverages that are better for them. In 2013, after a decade and a half of mouth-watering growth from its Oreo cookies, Mondelez discovered that wealthy urban consumers were turning to healthier alternatives. Likewise, earlier this year Nestle announced it was revamping its food and beverage business in China due to the shift towards nutritious items.

WeChat, the main means of communication for most online Chinese, offers a viable way to reach consumers who regularly use this application. For many, WeChat is the start and end of their phone usage. In China, 90% of smartphone users now use WeChat, with heavy daily activity.

WeChat or Wei Xin (微信 or wēixìn), the wonder kid of Chinese apps, is a major part of the ever-evolving app and social media landscape inside Mainland China. WeChat is now seen as one of the dominant ways to reach and interact with Chinese consumers, particularly on a personal level. A WeChat strategy is a vital part of an overall China marketing plan.

China is growing at an exponential rate, both in terms of the middle class population and their purchasing power. However the majority of this growth is coming from China’s lesser known cities.

There is a common perception in the West that Chinese lack creativity – great rote learners and copiers, but not too creative when it comes coming up with something new and original. Well the folk down at Forrester Research spend 2011 surveying 330,000 Social Media Users and uncovered some very interesting facts that may change your perceptions about Chinese creativity.