East Cape spices up ties with China

THE Chinese cities of Ningbo and Chengdu are preparing for an Eastern Cape invasion in celebration of China's "South African Year".

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) is leading a provincial delegation, which includes the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, to China.

A big focus will be on culinary offerings. The delegation includes representatives from six Eastern Cape companies, whose products have been placed by the ECDC on a permanent trade fair in Ningbo since April last year.

The companies have already made inroads into the lucrative Chinese consumer market, securing growing orders and distribution channels for their products.

ECDC market access specialist Zodwa Kepeyi said in celebration of 20 years of democracy, China had declared 2014 the "South African Year".

"We decided to take advantage of this by producing live exhibitions and to showcase South Africa's diverse cultures. We are giving companies an opportunity to showcase their products and interact with buyers.

"On Saturday, a live product show will take place at Ningbo's Wonder Square.

"This is the heart of Ningbo and also acts as a meeting place. It will be an opportunity to practically demonstrate the uses and product variation through tasting and modelling. The locals will get to try the products and give immediate feedback," Kepeyi said.

Then, during South African Food Week in Chengdu City next week, South African food flavours will be prepared at Seea Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in China.

"The recipes will comprise spices, sauces and pastries from the Eastern Cape exhibitors. In celebration of 20 years of democracy, we have sourced recipes from the Mandela kitchen book."

Grahamstown-based Carara, an ECDC exhibitor and one of the largest processors of pickled cherry peppers in South Africa, had secured a working relationship with Seea Seafood Restaurant, Kepeyi said.

Seea restaurant will be preparing the meals while the recipes will be cutting across different types of cuisine. "The Chinese are now at a stage where they are willing to try everything new in the market. We are hoping our flavours will be of interest to them," Kepeyi said.

Products to be introduced to the Chinese palate include blueberry jams, cherry peppers, honey mead, pastries, sauces and jam variants – all from Eastern Cape-based companies.

The Department of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the ECDC and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, will today host an Export Awareness Workshop at the Port Elizabeth City Hall. - Business Reporter