SA products on show to nearly 500,000 in China

South Australian producers are showcasing their products to more than 460,000 people at the world’s largest import expo, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Supported by the Government of South Australia, nearly 40 local wine, spirits, seafood, meat, honey and other producers are featured in the South Australian Pavilion at CIIE, which is spread across 440,000 square metres.

In the latest ABS data, South Australia’s food and beverage exports to China have increased by more than $450 million than the previous year and, for the first time, industry peak bodies from the state including Food SA, Seafood Industry South Australia and Distillers SA, are also being supported by the Government of South Australia to further boost industry participation at the Expo.

The South Australia Pavilion, which features a functional wine and spirits bar, product displays, tastings and live cooking demonstrations is part of the Australian Government’s 1,500 square metre Australian Pavilion.

China is South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner with merchandise exports valued at $4.2 billion in the year to September 2026, with wine, barley, almonds, lobsters and sheep meet leading the food and beverage exports for the state.

In the lead up to CIIE, a Taste of South Australia event was held to further support South Australian exhibitors to connect with key Chinese trade buyers. Immediately following CIIE, a delegation of major Chinese hospitality importers, that serve over 15,000 restaurants, banquet and hotel members in China, will travel to South Australia for a dedicated sourcing and procurement tour. The importers will travel into the regions to visit seafood producers, helping to translate relationships formed at the Expo into commercial opportunities.

Connections to China have been made easier with the introduction of direct flights between South Australia, Shanghai and Guangzhou thanks to China Eastern and China Southern.