China Consumer Masterclass: Navigating Strategy, Channels and Growth
UK time:
21/10/2026 09:30
- 21/10/2026 16:00
Venue:
CBBC London Office
Venue address:
Kings Buildings, 16 Smith Square, London
China may not be the easiest market in the world, but it remains one of the most important. If you're considering China, planning a visit, or looking to understand whether the opportunity is right for your business, this masterclass will help you make more informed decisions and prepare for success.
For UK businesses considering international growth, China remains one of the most important consumer markets in the world. Its retail consumer market exceeded RMB 50 trillion (GBP 5 trillion) in 2025, supported by a population of more than 1.4 billion people, a substantial middle-income consumer base of over 4 million, and the world's most advanced digital commerce ecosystem. Online retail sales continue to grow, and Chinese consumers remain among the most digitally connected and influential shoppers globally.
However, success in China is no longer simply about finding a distributor or launching a product online. Today's Chinese consumers are more sophisticated, more selective and more value-driven than ever before. They expect brands to demonstrate authenticity, quality, relevance and a clear understanding of their needs. At the same time, routes to market, regulations and buyer expectations continue to evolve
Whether you are actively exploring market entry, preparing for a trade mission, planning a business visit, or simply seeking to better understand the opportunities and realities of today's China market, this practical one-day masterclass will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to engage with confidence.
What You'll Learn:
Designed specifically for UK businesses, this masterclass provides a comprehensive introduction to China's consumer economy and the key considerations for doing business in the market.
During the day, participants will explore:
- China's evolving consumer and retail landscape
- The latest consumer trends and growth opportunities
- How Chinese consumers discover, evaluate and purchase products
- The role of digital platforms, social commerce and e-commerce
- Choosing the right route to market, including distributors, importers, retailers and cross-border e-commerce
- Regulatory, compliance, intellectual property and operational considerations
- What Chinese buyers and commercial partners expect from overseas brands
- How to assess your readiness and build a practical China market strategy
Who Should Attend?:
This masterclass is ideal for:
- Businesses considering exporting to China
- Companies exploring future growth opportunities in Asia
- Organisations preparing for a China market visit, trade mission or business development trip
- Export managers and international business development professionals
- Consumer, retail, food and drink, lifestyle and premium brands
- SMEs seeking to better understand market opportunities before committing resources
- Businesses looking to refresh or refine their China strategy
- No previous China experience is required.
Registration:
| Time | Session | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30-10:00 | Arrival and Registration | |
| 10:00–10:15 | Welcome & Setting the Scene | Trade Booster journey, objectives for the masterclass and what businesses should be ready to achieve before China |
| 10:15–11:00 | China Consumer Market: Where Are the Opportunities? | Consumer and retail landscape, category trends, changing consumer behaviour, international vs domestic brands, and where UK businesses can differentiate |
| 11:00–11:40 | Understanding the China Consumer | Target consumers, purchasing drivers, brand discovery, digital and social commerce, localisation and building a relevant value proposition |
| 11:40–12:25 | Choosing the Right Route to Market | CBEC vs general trade, distributors/importers, retail, marketplaces and digital channels; understanding which models suit different products and stages of growth |
| 12:25–13:15 | Networking Lunch | |
| 13:15–14:00 | Getting Market Ready: Regulation, IP & Operations | Regulatory pathways, product compliance, labelling, trademarks/IP, logistics and identifying market-entry barriers |
| 14:00–14:40 | Working with Chinese Buyers & Commercial Partners | What buyers and distributors look for; pricing, margins, MOQ, partner selection, exclusivity, marketing expectations and building a credible commercial proposition |
| 14:40–15:00 | Afternoon Tea & Networking | |
| 15:00–15:45 | China Growth Strategy Workshop: Applying It to Your Business | Participants apply the day's learning to their own target consumer, priority products, proposition, route-to-market, partner requirements and readiness gaps |
| 15:45–16:00 | Next Steps: Getting Ready for China | Actions following the masterclass, preparation ahead of the pre-departure training and introduction to China Market Engagement Week |
Speakers: (more TBC!)
Celine Tang, Retail & E-commerce Sector Lead, China-Britain Business Council
Celine Tang has been based in the UK for over 6 years and for most of this time she has been working as a freelance Consumer Consultant across the Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, Food and Drink sectors.
Between 2013 - 2017, Celine worked in the New Zealand Consulate General in Shanghai, prior to which she gained an MSc in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics.
Antoaneta Becker, Director, Consumer Economy, China-Britain Business Council
Antoaneta Becker has lived and worked in China for more than 20 years. In her most recent role as a Director, Consumer Economy for the China Britain Business Council, she has supported numerous British consumer companies entering and expanding into the Chinese market.
Prior to joining CBBC, she worked as a Beijing-based reporter for several international media publications including the Economist Intelligence Unit and USA Today, covering China’s economic and social affairs. She has reported on some of the main trends and policies that have defined China’s economic trajectory over the years 2000-2010 including China’s state-owned enterprises reforms, the emergence of free trade zones, the rise of digital economy and the ascendence of the Chinese consumer.
Antoaneta is a fluent Mandarin Chinese speaker. She holds a Bachelor’s in Chinese Language and Literature and a Master’s in Chinese Contemporary Literature & Film from Peking University.