A wide array of tasty and healthy "new Chinese-style" foods is winning over global buyers at the ongoing 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) in south China's Guangzhou city.
This year's fair is being held in three offline phases in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and will run until May 5. The third phase, scheduled for May 1 to 5, focuses on toys, maternity and childcare products, home textiles, stationery, and health and leisure goods.
The candy exhibition area proved to be a major draw, with many foreign buyers lingering over colorful treats. Despite the diverse shapes and flavors, all the candies share a common feature: they are low in sugar and healthier.
Against the backdrop of a global shift toward healthier diets, Chinese companies are doubling down on innovation. While preserving traditional flavors, they have been upgrading their products across the board -- making low sugar and fewer additives the new standard.
"I've seen a lot of no-sugar options as well as natural flavors and colors being used, which is really good to see," said Ashlee Zileski, an Australian buyer.
Besides healthy candies, a wide range of Chinese-style light meals are also winning favor with overseas buyers.
"Both at home and abroad, people are increasingly embracing healthy foods -- those that are low in calories, low in fat, and high in dietary fiber," said Li Xi, an exhibitor.
"Parents mostly care about the health of their kids and also of themselves, so our main goal is to export from China to Armenia healthy candies, dry fruits, dry snacks, which are almost 100 percent natural," said Chekuchyan Maria, an Armenian buyer.
Konjac products -- which are low in fat and virtually calorie-free -- along with a variety of high-protein and organic foods, have attracted many overseas buyers eager to give them a try.
"The test was impeccable and the spicing was also of good proportion, so it was really nice. I think it's the first time I had the cuttlefish ball and the beef meatball," said Chinedu Peter Ananwa, a Nigerian buyer.
Healthy "new Chinese-style" foods win over global buyers at Canton Fair
