Online fair helping secure trade

Malaysian food and drink firms among exhibitors taking advantage of multiple business opportunities 

This 127th Canton Fair, which is being held online from June 15-24 due to the global spread of the novel coronavirus, has offered an important platform for overseas companies to expand markets and launch businesses.

Soon Yen Long Sdn Bhd, a cubilose provider in Malaysia, has run a wholesale business in China for many years. Company chairman Ng Lai Soon said he was glad to continue business at the online Canton Fair because it is not convenient to cross the border during the outbreak.

"Our cubilose factory didn't resume production until early June and we need to recover the business soon," the chairman said.

In recent years, cubilose — a bird secretion used in edible nests — and other natural nutritious products have become popular in China and the company has seen significant business growth in the country. But the sudden pandemic stopped their operations.

At the online Canton Fair, the company is displaying their best-selling products and hopes to find more Chinese agents to revive sales in China.

The vitality of China's consumer market and its strong demand for high-quality imported products impressed Boy Chua, the chairman of Sin Sing Coffee Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. With 10 years' development, China has become its largest overseas market.

Chua said that due to the huge potential of the Chinese market, they still have much space for growth. The company plans to focus on expanding in China this year and the Canton Fair is an excellent platform to improve the reputation of their brand and products.

The company is showcasing 30 products on the Canton Fair's official website, including black and white coffee and white milk tea, as well as malt chocolate drinks.

As one of the largest and oldest trade shows in China, the Canton Fair has attracted a large number of global buyers. They cannot only expand their markets in China but connect with buyers from other countries.

Ng Lai Soon said: "The Canton Fair is a great platform where we found most of our Chinese dealers."

For a long time, the company was focused on providing cubilose to Chinese retailers and they didn't think about their brand value.

"It was at a trademark and patent seminar at the Canton Fair several years ago that made me realize the importance of branding and protecting our company's reputation," he said.

After that, he completed trademark registration in China and applied for a copyright for 55 years. Thus started the brand's development in the Chinese market.

Boy Chua regards the opportunity to participate in the Canton Fair each year as a place to do market research.

"I not only learned about the demand and potential of the beverage market in China, but also learned from other companies and industries in product development, manufacturing and marketing.

"In addition to reaching deals, I would like to try more new technologies and trading methods at this Canton Fair," Chua said.