VIENNA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Austrian chocolate maker Zotter has benefited significantly from China's economic development and remains confident in expanding its presence in the Chinese market, said Julia Zotter, CEO of the family-owned company.
In an interview with Xinhua, Julia said the company has participated in every edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) since its launch in 2018.
"We are passionate about the CIIE because it is the biggest trade fair we have ever seen, bringing together so many different aspects of China's economic life. And for us, it's a unique way to present our chocolate on a national platform, let people taste it and see their reactions," she said.
Founded in 1987, Zotter entered the Chinese market in 2013 and opened its only chocolate theater outside Austria in Shanghai a year later. The venue offers visitors opportunities to taste and purchase chocolate products, as well as make their own.
The company's products have gradually gained popularity among Chinese consumers. According to company data, sales have maintained double-digit growth over the past two years. From January to September this year, visitor numbers at its Shanghai theater increased 15 percent year on year.
Julia described the CIIE as an important platform for reaching consumers and exploring business opportunities across China.
The expo has also helped the company establish business connections. At previous CIIEs, Zotter signed cooperation agreements with local companies, while potential business partners visited its chocolate theater and expressed interest in future collaboration.
Through the expo, Zotter has gained firsthand experience of China's commitment to opening up and its business-friendly environment, which, according to Julia, have made market entry more accessible and business procedures more efficient.
Convenient market access and Chinese consumers' openness to imported products have benefited the company, while the resilience and stability of the Chinese economy have further strengthened its confidence in the market's prospects, she added.
Beyond expanding sales, Zotter also sees opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation between China and Europe.
"China has its amazing food tradition, which offers us a chance to bring something into its market. There are so many things to learn from and benefit from in terms of Chinese technology, while we can also bring some of Europe's taste traditions and production techniques to China," Julia said.■
