China: Snack and Relax Hybrid Virtual Market Showcase a Success Despite Extraordinary COVID-19 Hurdles

The Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Beijing coordinated with FAS Trade Missions and Shows to conduct "Snack and Relax!", a hybrid Virtual Market Showcase for U.S. snack and craft beer products from December 14 to 16, 2021 (China Standard Time). Despite extraordinary obstacles in the form of sudden, stringent COVID-19 control measures on hotel conference centers and 48-hour nucleic acid test requirements for all in-person attendees, the three-day event hosted 106 one-on-one meetings that connected 16 U.S. exhibitors with 24 buyer companies in China. Buyers included major retailers, importers, e-commerce operators, and distributors. Exhibitors and buyers reported onsite sales of $100,000 and expected sales exceeding $2 million.