Flavour of NZ on show in China ... and pine scent too

Visitors can see samples of New Zealand pine used in furniture and interiors at this Shanghai centre

Food and Beverage Project

From next month shoppers at one Shanghai supermarket will be able to get a taste of New Zealand with the launch of a "store within a store" to showcase Kiwi products.

The project is designed to give New Zealand companies an entry point to the Chinese market and trial their products in a retail environment. It will allow them to keep control of costs, volumes, prices and even distribution choices until they are ready to make a greater, long-term commitment to the market.

It is based on a New Zealand shop within a shop branded format, which will be supported by marketing promotions.

The Chinese retail market is booming - it is expected to grow to $456 billion by 2010. Discussions with retailers and consumer research reveal significant opportunities for niche food and beverage products.

Wood Innovation

The Shanghai-based New Zealand Wood Innovation Centre offers Chinese people the chance to see how New Zealand wood products can be used in the construction of homes and furniture. Visitors see samples of New Zealand pine used in furniture and interior fit-outs, heavy timber design and other building uses such as landscaping. It is backed by five New Zealand wood exporters.

NZ Focus Centre

New Zealand Focus in Hong Kong is the country's first concept centre and was officially opened in November last year.

It is a New Zealand-branded retail and information centre that operates out of a 632 square metre three-level property in the heart of Causeway Bay. The centre has been so successful that NZTE has plans to replicate it in Japan and on the Chinese mainland.