{"id":13688,"date":"2024-02-19T06:30:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T06:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/?p=13688"},"modified":"2025-04-23T09:02:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T09:02:26","slug":"how-scottish-consumer-brands-are-preparing-for-success-in-the-year-of-the-dragon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focus.cbbc.org\/how-scottish-consumer-brands-are-preparing-for-success-in-the-year-of-the-dragon\/","title":{"rendered":"Top tips from Scottish consumer brands succeeding in China"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 8 February, the China-Britain Business Council hosted its China Consumer Scotland event in partnership with Scottish Development International at its Edinburgh headquarters.<\/h3>\n

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Tailor made for Scottish consumer brands interested in discovering China\u2019s vast and potentially lucrative consumer marketplace, the event brought together leading consumer brands operating in China, alongside Chinese importers and retailers, to share their insights and tips for success in China with delegates.<\/p>\n

The session was delivered in person ahead of CBBC\u2019s Chinese Burns Supper and the 2024 China-Scotland Business Awards<\/a>, which took place later that evening.<\/p>\n

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The event opened with a Panel Session, \u2018Entering and succeeding in the Chinese market \u2013 Hear from companies in the market\u2019<\/strong>, in which CBBC\u2019s Director of Consumer Economy Antoaneta Becker chaired a discussion with Joanna Zhou, China Commercial Manager at Holland & Barrett; Arjun Koyappalli, the Managing Director of Napiers the Herbalist; and Sarah Armstrong, Founder and Creative Director of lifestyle brand, Pinyin Press.<\/p>\n

The discussion introduced the scale and size of the China market opportunity and the \u2018new normal\u2019 in China following the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite changes to the market, growth remains impressive, with consumer spending outstripping China\u2019s overall economic growth, and the market is packed with potential for UK brands. The market is characterised by a new \u2018rational consumption\u2019 trend, with consumers carefully planning spending due to economic pressures and societal trends. Consumers are also spending as an escape from pressures and a means to pursue wellness<\/a> \u2013 which is a key buzzword in China\u2019s consumer landscape right now. Trends to watch include the rise of Chinese whisky, which has the potential to reshape the global distillery market.<\/p>\n

Sharing her view of opportunities in China, Holland and Barrett\u2019s Joanna Zhou remarked: \u201cIt has been a good three years\u2026 but we can definitely see the changes in the consumer market following Covid-19 and economic changes. We have found when working with the right channels the opportunities are still available.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also introduced guests to a trending phrase in the China, \u2018Morning C Evening A\u2019: \u201cMorning coffee and evening alcohol, or morning vitamin C and evening vitamin A (when used as skincare ingredients) \u2013 which symbolises Chinese consumers\u2019 desire for fun as well as wellness\u201d.<\/p>\n