New Zealand Business Roundtable in China (NZBRiC)
October–November
Activity Roundup
Welcome to NZBRiC's monthly activity roundup for October and November! With CIIE, 11.11, and a series of major trade shows taking place back-to-back, it has been an exceptionally active period for both NZBRiC and our members.
Thank you to all our members and partners for your continued engagement and support during this busy season.
Scroll below for a full recap of what we’ve been up to!
Membership Updates:
Associate Membership
Corporate Membership
Individual Membership
Member News:
Synlait's Unique 'Synlait Day' CIIE Showcase
NZBRiC Corporate Member Synlait had one of its biggest days of the year this month, showcasing their company and what they make to the world’s largest international import expo.
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) hosted over 400,000 people over five days, with Synlait one of more than 4,000 organisations exhibiting from 138 countries.
To make sure Synlait stands out, they work with Bright Dairy to host ‘Synlait Day’ at the expo. A huge pink carpet is rolled out, and hundreds of Chinese business representatives are invited to hear more about Synlait.
Richard Wyeth and Charles Fergusson presented to delegates, highlighting the unique qualities of New Zealand Dairy and how, through their partnership with Bright Dairy, Synlait are able to produce world-class nutritional products for the Chinese market.
Around 80 Synlait farmers paid for themselves to go see where their product ends up. Some of them hit the stage at CIIE to take part in a very special milk dance – along with Synlait's own Charles Fergusson.
They had an action-packed week, hosted by Synlait's friends at Bright Dairy, touring Bright farms, their factory and its museum.
Synlait farmer Rachael Rickard said of the trip, “It's a great time to be in dairying and in China, you can see the future for New Zealand dairy, for Synlait and for Bright Dairy is amazing.”
MitoQ Supporting Cellular Anti-Aging Innovations Between New Zealand and China
On October 22, NZBRiC Industry Member MitoQ played a pivotal role in the “Energy–Cognition–Aging Innovation Forum” hosted at Shanghai Fourth Hospital, a key event aimed at tackling the challenges of aging. The forum, co-organised by MitoQ and Shanghai Fourth Hospital, brought together leading experts to explore the cutting-edge field of mitochondrial health and aging biology.
The event featured a keynote speech from Professor Mike Murphy, co-inventor of the MitoQ® Mitoquinol, who provided deep insights into mitochondrial oxidative stress and its impact on aging and disease. MitoQ’s breakthrough molecule, designed to target mitochondrial oxidative damage, has revolutionised mitochondrial research and anti-aging medicine.
The forum also highlighted significant contributions from Shanghai Fourth Hospital’s research teams in areas such as brain function regulation, mitochondrial gene therapies, and stem cell research for aging. This forum is a key milestone in China–New Zealand collaboration, as global experts from both countries engage in meaningful dialogue about advancing anti-aging technologies and fostering international scientific exchange.
As MitoQ continues to lead in cellular health innovation, this forum underscored the importance of global cooperation in tackling the aging challenges, contributing to a future of healthier aging worldwide.
Tracel Showcases Global Health Ambition at the 8th CIIE
At this year’s 8th China International Import Expo, NZBRiC Corporate Member Tracel drew significant attention with its immersive booth themed “Trace The Global Essence.” New Zealand Trade Commissioner Joris de Vocht visited the booth, meeting with Tracel’s leadership and taking part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the brand’s strategic expansion into the wider health and wellness sector.
Now in its second year at CIIE, Tracel used the platform to announce a major evolution of its business – moving beyond oral beauty to a comprehensive global health and wellness mission. As Global COO Martin Essery explained, the brand is now sourcing rare natural ingredients worldwide to deliver more complete natural wellness solutions.
A key highlight was Tracel’s “Traceability Micro-Island”, a detailed model showcasing its fully transparent supply chain from New Zealand’s Nelson region, illustrating how boysenberries are cultivated, harvested, and processed with zero additives. This commitment to quality was reinforced through its Made in New Zealand, FernMark, and New Zealand Naturally Goods certifications.
Visitors also engaged with Tracel’s science-backed personalised skin analysis and tasted its signature Brightening Drink, further demonstrating the brand’s blend of natural ingredients, innovation, and traceability.
NZBRiC congratulates Tracel on a successful CIIE presence and its ongoing leadership in bringing New Zealand’s natural health values to China.
NZBRiC Activities:
University of Waikato MBA Study Tour to Shanghai
In alignment with our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future business leaders, the New Zealand Business Roundtable in China (NZBRiC) was proud to support the The University of Waikato's MBA Study Tour during their recent visit to Shanghai.
Prior to the visit, we connected the students with several of our member organisations, including The Warehouse Group, Zespri International, Grin Natural, The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, and Les Mills China. These engagements provided the students with valuable first-hand experience of localisation, strategic partnerships, and adapting to the pace of doing business in China.
On October 27th, NZBRiC Executive Director Nicholas Calder joined the session at New Zealand Central in Shanghai to speak with students from the Waikato Management School, share market perspectives, and answer their questions about the New Zealand–China business relationship.
We'd like to again thank Clare Swallow and Professor Joanna Scott-Kennel for their active engagement with the New Zealand business community in China.
Equipping Business for CIIE Webinar
With the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded, NZBRiC is pleased to look back on the preparation that supported New Zealand companies heading into this year’s event – including our Equipping Business for CIIE Webinar held on October 28.
While CIIE continues to be a valuable platform for New Zealand businesses, it operates differently from most global trade shows, requiring a tailored approach to preparation, engagement, and post-event follow-through.
The session proved valuable for both first-time exhibitors and returning participants, offering practical guidance on navigating the expo environment, engaging constructively with government stakeholders, and positioning brands effectively. Speakers also shared real-world insights and lessons from previous CIIE participation – including what matters most after the expo ends and the work of follow-up begins.
A special thank you to our speakers – Consul-General Ardi Barnard 鲍晓笛, Trade Commissioner Steve Jones, PCNZ CEO David Boyle, Brand & Marketing Leader Claire Tan, Tracel ANZ General Manager Yan Yan, Zespri External Relations Director John Li – and to the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand for their collaboration in making this session possible.
We hope the session contributed to stronger preparation, clearer expectations, and meaningful outcomes at CIIE 2025 and beyond.
NZBRiC Breakfast with the Ambassador
On November 6th, the New Zealand Business Roundtable in China (NZBRiC) kicked off the 8th CIIE by hosting a Breakfast with the New Zealand Ambassador to China, Dr. Jonathan Austin – bringing together both visiting delegations and leading New Zealand businesses based in Shanghai.
Guests enjoyed a breakfast created by Craig Willis, Founder of Mr Willis and Something Bar and Dining. Featuring premium products sourced from NZBRiC members and partners in New Zealand, the plentiful servings provided some of the best ingredients NZ has to offer.
Opening the event, NZBRiC Executive Director Nicholas Calder welcomed guests before Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Austin shared insights on the New Zealand–China trading relationship. Dan Wang, China Director at The Eurasia Group, then provided a timely update on China’s economy after the recent announcement of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Following the economic briefing, a panel discussion, moderated by Daniel Young, President of China for Tatua, followed with insights from:
• Tara Tan, CEO of Grin Natural
• Jason Te Brake, CEO of Zespri International
• Mahara Inglis, CEO of MitoQ Limited
• George Adams, Chairman of Synlait Milk Limited
The panellists shared first-hand experiences and strategies for achieving long-term success in China’s dynamic market before networking ensued among guests.
A special thank you to ICBC New Zealand for its generous support, and to our members and partners for providing the outstanding New Zealand food and beverages put together by Something Dining and Bar’s talented kitchen.
Kiwi Drinks at the Bach
What an unforgettable evening at the Bach in Shanghai!
On November 8th, NZBRiC and Kea New Zealand, in partnership with Tribal Brands Asia and The True Honey Co., hosted the highly anticipated Kiwi Drinks at the Bach at the W Hotel Shanghai.
This was our largest Kiwi Drinks event to date in Shanghai, with over 200 attendees enjoying New Zealand wine, Garage Project beer, and pass-around snacks inspired by the Ahi pop-up. Guests also sampled The True Honey Co. manuka honey, which we hope helped with recovery after an intensive CIIE schedule for New Zealand businesses.
This year’s CIIE Kiwi Drinks attracted many distinguished guests from the New Zealand Government, including:
• Hon. Minister Todd McClay
• Nancy Lu, Member of Parliament
• Peter Chrisp, CEO of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
• Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Austin
• Consul-General Ardi Barnard
• Along with numerous other New Zealand officials operating in China.
The event also honoured New Zealand artists who are currently exhibiting at the 15th Shanghai Biennale of Art. Two of the artists, Shannon Te Ao and Luke Willis Thompson, attended with the Office of Contemporary Art Aotearoa, bridging business and the arts. 🎨
A special thank you to The True Honey Co. for sponsoring the snacks, ICBC New Zealand for sponsoring the wider CIIE program and the teams at Tribal Brands Asia, W Hotel, and Ahi for the incredible venue space and hospitality.
We’d also like to extend our gratitude to Minister Todd McClay and Shannon Te Ao for their insightful remarks.
Breakfast with ANZ Chief Economist
On 13 November, NZBRiC partnered with AustCham Shanghai to host a breakfast briefing featuring Richard Yetsenga, ANZ Group’s Chief Economist.
Yetsenga delivered a high-level briefing focused on economic trends both globally and China-specific. These briefings help to support local decision makers not just in a strategic capacity but when reporting back to their New Zealand HQ’s.
We extend our thanks to AustCham Shanghai and ANZ Bank for organising this breakfast during their busy CIIE program. Strengthening access to timely economic insights helps build informed strategy and long-term success across our business communities.
NZBRiC Delegation to Hangzhou
NZBRiC was pleased to join the New Zealand Consulate in Shanghai on a delegation to Hangzhou this week.
Meeting with the Hangzhou China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Angela Joe from Victoria University of Wellington, we discussed areas of cooperation between the city and New Zealand businesses in China.
We would like to thank Consul-General Ardi Barnard and the New Zealand Consulate in Shanghai for their continued support of NZBRiC and our member companies to enhance New Zealand-China trade relations.
