新华社卢布尔雅那11月27日电 综述｜斯洛文尼亚企业看好中国市场前景 新华社记者周玥 近日，多家斯洛文尼亚企业负责人在接受新华社记者采访时表示，中国消费者对高品质且具有创新和文 化特色的产品需求日益增长，这些企业因此看好中国市场前景。 巧克力和葡萄酒公司紫水晶有限责任公司自2019年开始活跃于中国食品饮料市场，经常与经销商合作举 办葡萄酒品鉴会。首席执行官博扬·奥布雷诺维奇说，中国消费者愈发追求产品品质，非常注重质量标 准，而高端产品通常能够满足这些期望。 "进入中国市场后，我们这家公司注意到中国消费者对有机和天然保健品的需求急剧增长。"斯洛文尼亚 蜂产品品牌梅德克斯公司中国区总代理廖莎莎表示，"消费者会寻找拥有有机认证、不含人工添加剂的 产品，会比较不同品牌的有机资质。"她说，这一趋势凸显了中国消费者对高品质营养产品日益增长的 需求，也增强了公司进一步拓展中国市场的信心。 斯洛文尼亚技术型公司也看到了中国市场的巨大发展空间。电机制造商多梅尔公司于2006年进入中国市 场，技术创新和与中国企业开展紧密合作是其战略核心。公司中国区总经理博什蒂安·德姆沙尔说，"我 们在苏州的生产基地不仅仅是一家工厂，更是我们致力 ...

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 CAFEEX Shanghai Coffee Exhibition will combine coffee with chocolate and whiskey, offering a unique sensory experience and an opportunity for flavor exploration [3][7]. Event Details - The exhibition will take place from November 28 to 30, 2025, at the Shanghai International Procurement Exhibition Center, featuring immersive experiences related to flavor exploration and lifestyle [7][63]. - The event is designed for both coffee enthusiasts and newcomers, promising surprises and emotional connections [7]. Activities and Experiences - Professional cupping sessions will allow attendees to experience the layers and flavors of coffee up close, while forums will provide opportunities to interact with baristas and industry experts [5][56]. - The exhibition will showcase the latest design trends and technological breakthroughs in coffee-making equipment, emphasizing the importance of tools in enhancing flavor and experience [36]. Related Exhibitions - The CAFEEX will run concurrently with the CHOCEX chocolate exhibition, which will feature a variety of chocolate brands and products, highlighting the stories behind single-origin chocolates and innovative flavor combinations [48][37]. Educational Opportunities - The event will include a series of lectures and discussions led by industry experts, covering topics such as coffee production stability, the relationship between coffee and whiskey, and sustainable practices in coffee production [62][54].

Core Insights - The Chinese consumer market is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a focus on "cost-performance" to "emotional value" and "technological trust" as key competitive variables [2][6][7] - A high-quality development and consumption upgrade forum will be held on November 21, 2025, in Beijing, aimed at exploring paths for industry transformation and sustainable development [3][7] Market Structure - By 2025, the Chinese consumer market is expected to exhibit a "dumbbell" structure, characterized by rapid growth in consumption among Generation Z and a burgeoning silver economy focused on quality living, creating a trillion-level market [6] - This structural change is shifting consumer logic from "satisfying needs" to "creating demand," with consumers seeking products that embody more emotional and social values [6] Product Development - Companies are increasingly focusing on the emotional resonance and social value of their products, moving away from standardized goods [6] - Innovations such as "zero-additive herbal tea" and culturally enriched bottled water are examples of how brands are meeting urban consumers' demands for "natural health" and storytelling [6] Competitive Focus - The competition is shifting from market share to meticulous refinement across the entire R&D, production, and service chain [6] - Companies are embedding "craftsmanship" into the less visible aspects of the supply chain, enhancing product quality through advanced techniques like micron-level homogenization in dairy products and precise temperature control in chocolate production [6] Technological Integration - Technology is becoming a new engine for upgrading the consumer industry, with AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies deeply penetrating the supply chain [7] - The integration of technology with traditional practices is enhancing production efficiency and establishing "assured consumption" as a core competitive advantage [7] Future Outlook - The upcoming forum is anticipated to provide critical insights for the next decade of the consumer market, emphasizing that product value is not just a gift of nature but a commitment from companies to a better life [7]

Core Viewpoint - Swiss businesses are actively engaging in negotiations with the U.S. to reach a tariff agreement, potentially lowering tariffs to 15%, aligning with the EU's tariff rates [1][2][4] Group 1: Swiss Business Engagement - Swiss business leaders have shifted from behind-the-scenes lobbying to direct engagement with the Trump administration, aiming to break months of negotiation deadlock [2][3] - The Swiss delegation, led by Federal President Keller-Sutter, was initially shocked by the U.S. imposing a 39% tariff on Swiss goods, which is the highest among developed economies [2][4] Group 2: Economic Impact and Trade Relations - The U.S. trade deficit with Switzerland is approximately $39 billion, with the U.S. imposing high tariffs as a response to this imbalance [2][6] - Swiss exports account for over 70% of its GDP, with key products including watches, chocolate, and machinery, making the U.S. a crucial market [4][6] Group 3: Negotiation Dynamics - High-profile Swiss executives, including those from Partners Group and Rolex, have met with Trump to emphasize the strong economic ties between the two nations [3][4] - The Swiss strategy in negotiations has leveraged its traditional strengths, with business leaders seen as more effective than political figures in addressing trade issues [4][5] Group 4: Future Prospects - There is speculation that a trade agreement could be announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, with Trump likely to attend [7] - The potential for Swiss companies to invest in the U.S. gold refining industry is being considered as a strategy to persuade the U.S. to lower tariffs [6][7]

Group 1 - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) serves as a significant platform for global economic engagement, showcasing China's commitment to open cooperation and mutual benefits [1][4] - The CIIE has attracted 23,000 foreign exhibitors and generated an intended transaction value exceeding $500 billion over the past seven years, highlighting its role as a vital entry point for international businesses into the Chinese market [1][2] - China remains the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, with imports of goods and services expected to exceed $15 trillion during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [1][3] Group 2 - The current CIIE features participation from 155 countries and regions, with 290 Fortune 500 companies, marking record highs in exhibition area and total number of exhibitors [2] - The event showcases 461 new products, technologies, and services across various cutting-edge fields, establishing itself as a key node in the global innovation chain [2][3] - Companies view the CIIE as a strategic opportunity for deep engagement with global resources, shifting their focus from mere product sales to technology collaboration and joint market development [3] Group 3 - The CIIE exemplifies China's market potential, characterized by a large consumer base and increasing demand for upgraded consumption, supported by innovative elements and resources [3] - The recent Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized the need for high-level opening up and creating new cooperative opportunities [3][4] - China positions itself as a co-creator of global opportunities and a builder of open platforms, reinforcing its commitment to shared development and prosperity [4]

Core Points - The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) took place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, showcasing various international brands [1] - Lindt, a Swiss chocolate brand, highlighted its commitment to the Chinese market by launching a new product, "Panda Chocolate," inspired by the giant panda [1] - The brand celebrated its 180th anniversary this year, emphasizing its dedication to cultural exchange and environmental protection through its products [1] Company Strategy - Lindt focuses on local innovation to meet consumer demands in China, showcasing its Dubai-style chocolate series that debuted in March [1] - The company aims to enhance its product offerings in the Chinese market, maintaining a commitment to high-quality chocolate experiences [1] - Lindt's mission is to create emotional connections through chocolate, reinforcing its brand values of craftsmanship and innovation [1]

Core Insights - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) serves as a significant platform for global economic engagement, emphasizing China's commitment to mutual benefits with the world [1][4] - The expo has attracted 23,000 foreign exhibitors and generated an intended transaction volume exceeding $500 billion over the past seven years, highlighting China's market appeal despite global economic challenges [1][2] - China remains the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, with projected imports of over $15 trillion during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [1][3] Group 1 - The eighth CIIE has seen participation from 155 countries and regions, with 290 Fortune 500 companies showcasing their products, marking record exhibition space and total number of exhibitors [2] - The event has become a vital node in the global innovation chain, featuring 461 new products, technologies, and services across various cutting-edge fields [2][3] - Companies view the CIIE as a strategic opportunity for deep engagement with global resources, shifting focus from mere product sales to technology collaboration and joint market development [3] Group 2 - The CIIE reflects China's large market size and evolving consumer demands, providing a robust foundation for international business opportunities [3] - The recent Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized the need for high-level openness and cooperation, indicating a future of broader opportunities for global development [3][4] - The CIIE symbolizes China's role as a co-creator of global opportunities and a platform for shared development, reinforcing the belief in open cooperation and mutual prosperity [4]

Core Insights - The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened on November 5 in Shanghai, showcasing international products and fostering cultural exchange [2][17] - The Austrian chocolate company, Zotter, has participated in every CIIE since its inception, highlighting its commitment to the Chinese market [2][9] Company Overview - Zotter Chocolate is located in the scenic Styria region of Austria, where it operates a chocolate production facility and an immersive experience center known as the "Chocolate Theatre" [2][4] - The company emphasizes the cultural experience of chocolate, transforming it from a mere food item into an engaging activity for consumers [4][6] Market Strategy - The founder's daughter, Julia Zotter, recognized the potential of the Chinese market after her initial visit as an exchange student, leading to the establishment of a chocolate experience in Shanghai [7][9] - Julia Zotter views the CIIE as a significant platform for launching new products and engaging with consumers, noting the interest in discovering new products among attendees [11][13] Future Plans - The Chinese market is seen as a crucial growth opportunity for Zotter, with plans to introduce localized flavors and explore the integration of Chinese ingredients and cultural elements into their chocolate offerings [15][13] - The company aims to leverage the rapid changes and vast potential of the Chinese consumer market, aligning its product quality and cultural experience with local preferences [15][13]

Group 1: Market Trends and Growth - The New Zealand alpaca fiber industry has seen an average annual sales growth of over 100% in China over the past six years, with the company's exhibition space expanding from 9 square meters to 120 square meters at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) [1] - The Chinese market now accounts for over 60% of the company's global sales, indicating its significance as a key market for New Zealand alpaca products [2] Group 2: Product Adaptation and Consumer Preferences - Companies are increasingly adapting their products to meet the preferences of Chinese consumers, such as developing lighter and more breathable alpaca blankets [2] - The introduction of essential oil sprays, designed to cater to the lifestyle habits of young Chinese consumers, reflects a shift towards products that emphasize natural and healthy attributes [2] - Colombian chocolate brands are also tailoring their offerings to the Chinese market by incorporating local flavors, such as dried fruits, into their chocolate products, which aligns with the health-conscious trends among Chinese consumers [4]

Core Viewpoint - The global cocoa market is expected to shift from a supply shortage to a surplus by the 2025/2026 season, as indicated by recent reports from major institutions like Rabobank and Fitch Solutions [4][6]. Supply Side - The end of the El Niño phenomenon, which caused disastrous harvests in West Africa, is being replaced by La Niña, leading to more stable rainfall in key cocoa-producing regions like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This climatic shift is expected to increase cocoa bean production in the 2025/26 season [8]. - High cocoa prices in 2024, despite limited profits for farmers, have encouraged some reinvestment in farming practices, including increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, which may boost production [8]. Demand Side - The high prices of cocoa have led to a significant decline in global chocolate sales by volume in 2025, as consumers and brands are deterred by retail prices [10]. - Brands are forced to permanently alter their recipes to reduce expensive cocoa content, substituting with cheaper fillers like nuts, wafers, caramel, and palm oil [10]. Price Dynamics - Despite the anticipated surplus, chocolate prices are unlikely to decrease in the near term due to several factors: - Brands are still clearing out high-cost inventory purchased at prices around $10,000 per ton [16]. - Price rigidity means that once prices have increased, they rarely decrease, as consumers have accepted higher price points [16]. - Brands are focused on recovering profit margins that were squeezed by high costs over the past year, rather than passing savings onto consumers [18]. Conclusion - The transition from high prices to surplus presents different outcomes for various stakeholders: - Farmers may face new challenges as they have increased investments without yet seeing profits [22]. - Brands are entering a period of profit recovery after enduring high costs [22]. - Consumers may see a pause in the trend of "shrinkflation," where product sizes decrease without a corresponding price drop [22]. - Overall, the industry may have entered a "high-price chocolate" era, with little hope for significant price reductions in the future [24].