CIIE opens new business windows for foreign firms

Dole Food Co, the world's largest fruit and vegetable company, has been in China for more than two decades, first as an exclusive dealer of Philippine bananas and gradually a producer, distributor and wholesaler of both fresh and processed fruit.

But it was not until after the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) last year that the California-headquartered company found its way to the central kitchens of the country's fast-rising tea chains and the canteens of domestic banks and institutions.

"The appeal (of CIIE) was beyond our expectations and the feedback was overwhelming. It has opened a brand-new world for our business," said Wang Na, brand director of Dole China, as the company prepares for the second expo, scheduled to open on Nov 5.