Last year’s summit featured speakers from companies including KPMG, Haleon, Premier League, Brompton Bicycle, HSBC, Alibaba Group, and Honor, alongside other industry leaders. Speakers shared valuable insights on topics such as “Think Local, Act Global: Tapping into China’s Unique Cultural DNA”, “AI-Powered Retail in China: Leveraging Technology for Global Impact” and “From China to the World: Leveraging the UK Market to Drive Global Growth” among others.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, China’s consumer market continues to represent a strategic priority for UK businesses, driven by its scale, rapidly evolving consumer landscape, and strong demand for innovation and product development.

The 2026 CBBC UK-China Brand Excellence Summit will continue to serve as a vital bridge between the two markets - enabling UK consumer brands to showcase their heritage, creativity, and innovation, while fostering deeper dialogue and collaboration with Chinese counterparts. At the same time, the summit will provide a platform for ambitious and innovative Chinese brands to expand their international presence and accelerate their journey towards broader global markets.

Panel Discussion Themes

The Next China Is China

UK goods exports to China reached £18.7 billion in 2025. With Hong Kong included, China remains the UK’s third-largest trading partner. It is a market that cannot be ignored or replaced. China’s economic challenges- from low consumer confidence to an ongoing housing crisis, and now a major trade war- are considerable. Yet the world’s second-largest economy is showing resilience: retail sales of goods rose by 3.7% in 2025, and the IMF still forecasts GDP growth of 4.5% in 2026. Where is the next China? Join us and hear thoughts from the brands.

The Rise of E-commerce vs. the Power of Offline Presence: Building a Winning Omni-Channel Strategy

With e-commerce accounting for 26.1% of China’s total retail sales in 2025, success in digital commerce and social media has become essential for brands operating in the market. At the same time, a growing “return to offline” trend - particularly among luxury and premium brands - highlights the importance of physical retail and immersive brand experiences in building deeper consumer loyalty. This session will explore how leading brands balance online scale with offline engagement to create impactful omni-channel strategies in China’s fast-evolving consumer landscape.

Essentials of the British Lifestyle- Practical Guide

From afternoon tea and scones to Aston Martin and Brompton Bicycle, from James Bond to Harry Potter, Britain’s cultural identity blends heritage, craftsmanship, creativity, and understated sophistication. From the energy of London’s West End to the charm of the English countryside, the British lifestyle continues to hold strong global appeal. In this session, leading British lifestyle brands will explore what defines a truly British way of life, how heritage and storytelling shape brand identity, and how these qualities can resonate with today’s Chinese consumers seeking authenticity, culture, and premium experiences.

Cornerstones of Chinese Brands Winning Consumers on the Other Side- A Global Narration

In 2025, China’s overall outward investment reached £174.3 billion, marking a 7.1% YOY growth. We are witnessing a historical wave of Chinese companies and consumer brands launching their global ambitions. From luxury perfumes to fast fashion, from electronics to restaurants, winning globally is as much about building innovative product offers as telling your stories in a global narration. Join this session to hear from leading Chinese consumer brands and experts on how they have done it.