Post considers U.S. almonds one of the most important commodities to be further marketed in South China. In the past year, Post provided great support to cooperators, processors, as well as traders and retailers, in the hope of assisting them expand their business capacity and reinforce industry networks in both large cities and in emerging city markets. Because of our strong commitment, South China is now the largest destination for U.S. almonds. Additionally, the increase in the local almond price has strengthened demand for alternative products such as U.S. pecans and hazelnuts. Meanwhile, post has also encouraged retailers and distributors to increase consumer awareness and has helped establish direct transaction relationships with U.S. almond exporters. Through various formats of marketing activities, California almonds have gained great popularity in various sectors including retail, HRI, and the bakery sector.
Adoption of Recipes: Three GBI baking seminars were held in three southern cities. Over 20 recipes applying U.S. ingredients including California almonds were developed. Several local bakery chains in South China have incorporated recipes gained from the GBI-Baking seminars into their regular menus for daily sales.
Direct Imports: Around 25+ visa referrals were issued to professional nut processors and traders from the Pearl River Delta to attend the Almond Board of California¡¯s crop tour and buyers¡¯ mission. All of the participants reported an increase their purchasing of U.S. almonds in the coming months. Three of Post¡¯s contacts expanded their manufacturing facilities with even more U.S. almonds to be processed in South China in the coming year.
Buyer missions: Two buyer missions were organized in 20010. A delegation of 30 Southern retailers and distributors attended the SIAL show in Shanghai. Later, representatives of key retailers such as Wal-Mart, Sam¡¯s Club, and Jusco expressed great interest in U.S. almond products as a healthy snack. Post also led another FMI delegation of 22 Southern members to visit almond packing houses and the headquarters of the Almond Board of California (ABC) in Modesto. Post introduced the delegation members to key U.S. almond exhibitors. As a result, at least two new distributors reported that they are under negotiation with Blue Diamond, one of the largest U.S. almond companies in the States for future direct container-volume basis purchase.
In-Store Promotions: In recent months, Post organized several in-store promotions with Sam¡¯s Club and Jusco in multiple southern cities. All had a large display of U.S. almonds and reported at least a 20-percent sales increase during the promotion period. It is estimated that around 70 percent of U.S. almond consumed in China was in the retail sector as a snack.
New product development: At least two traders mentioned that they were developing new products for key retailers in the south. Jusco, for example, has developed its own private label.
Additional information: In 2009/2010, according to ABC, exports to the China market was over 60,000 metric tons out of the total crop volume of 740,000 metric tons. China has become the largest importer of California almonds in Asia in the recent 2008/2009 crop year and the number three importer after Spain and Germany. Almond sales in China during the 2008/2009 season were double that of the 2007/2008 season.
