The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held as scheduled at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from November 5 to 10. Among the global participants, two New Zealand companies stood out: Ultimate Dairy, a veteran participant of all eight CIIE editions, and Grin, a professional oral care brand exhibiting for seven consecutive years. Both companies connected with Suzhou Creek Bay in Jing'an, Shanghai through the CIIE and made significant strides this year—showcasing innovative product portfolios and securing multiple strategic partnerships that underscore their commitment to the Chinese market.
Ultimate Dairy, an eight-time CIIE participant
Expanding partnership network
As the participant that has attended all eight CIIE editions, New Zealand's Ultimate Dairy showcased notable achievements this year.
During the expo, the company signed strategic cooperation agreements with prominent organizations, including Suzhou Creek Bay Group, JD Health, Zhongzhe Beikong, Bright Food International Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Center, and Jinjiang Travel. It also launched five new products tailored to diverse consumer needs: adult goat milk powder, O'pure 4.4 high-protein milk, goat milk probiotics, goat milk lactoferrin, and goat milk ice cream. The rich and creamy goat milk ice cream quickly became a hit at the booth, earning widespread acclaim.
Notably, this company, which first partnered with Suzhou Creek Bay through the CIIE, also joined the project launch ceremony for Jing'an District's 2025 CIIE Trade and Investment Promotion Conference, marking a new phase in its expansion in China.
An Ultimate Dairy representative stated that this year's participation in the CIIE demonstrated the company's strategic evolution from product supply to ecosystem development. Deeper collaboration with leading players across the industrial chain will help the brand better serve Chinese consumers and contribute to the high-quality growth of China's dairy sector.
Grin, a professional oral care brand
Engaging visitors with innovation
Grin, a New Zealand professional oral care brand exhibiting for the seventh year, also built ties with Suzhou Creek Bay through the CIIE and established its presence there.
This year, Grin's booth was located in the exhibition area for Food and Agricultural Products in Hall 8.1, co-presented with the New Zealand Pavilion. Designed around the design concept "A Smile That Wins Hearts—Pure New Zealand," the booth featured an immersive "Wander New Zealand" interactive space. Through simulated travel check-in scenes and a "Brushing Bar" experience zone, visitors engaged closely with Grin's full range of high-quality oral care products, generating lively interaction.
Grin also introduced multiple new products, including parent-child plush toiletry bags, age-specific toothbrushes, and brushing companion accessories, highlighting its ongoing focus on product innovation and user care.
Alongside new launches, the brand advanced strategic partnerships. During the expo, guests from the New Zealand Embassy to China and the Shanghai Foreign Investment Association visited Grin's booth to witness the signing of memorandums of understanding with Jiahui Health and the Shanghai Foreign Service Employee Union. The collaborations will focus on oral health management and corporate employee wellness services, aiming to raise public oral health awareness and improve oral health service systems.
Suzhou Creek Bay
Strengthening position as a hub for New Zealand enterprises
As Suzhou Creek Bay functional zone continues to attract a growing number of New Zealand enterprises, expanding collaboration between Suzhou Creek Bay and these enterprises emerged as a major highlight of Suzhou Creek Bay's presence at the CIIE.
On November 6, during the opening ceremony of the Global Service Providers Joint Exhibition Area, Suzhou Creek Bay Group and the New Zealand Business Roundtable in China (NZBRiC) signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two parties will collaborate closely in line with the development goals of Jing'an District and Suzhou Creek Bay functional zone, with a focus on facilitating business establishment, attracting high-caliber talent, enabling business incubation, organizing diverse events, and providing end-to-end corporate services. By leveraging their respective resources and strengths, they aim to achieve mutually beneficial growth.
The CIIE serves as a bridge, while Suzhou Creek Bay plays a supportive role. Through platforms such as the CIIE and international business associations, Suzhou Creek Bay functional zone is committed to improving its business environment and offering comprehensive market entry services to high-quality enterprises, including New Zealand brands.
Looking ahead, Suzhou Creek Bay will continue to capitalize on its strategic location and resources to help both international and domestic brands connect with diverse consumer groups and access broader market opportunities, attracting more outstanding enterprises to choose and invest in Suzhou Creek Bay.