The 137th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, recently concluded with remarkable success, setting new records for international buyer attendance. Among the prominent participants was Coop Far East, the procurement office of Coop Italia, Italy’s largest retailer, recognized for sourcing high-quality non-food consumer goods globally.
During this spring fair, the Coop Far East team, consisting of 15 members, meticulously navigated through three distinct phases of the event, delving into various product categories, including small household appliances, stationery, DIY tools, textiles, footwear, and many more. Veronica Natalini, the General Manager of Coop Far East, expressed enthusiasm regarding the finalized sourcing plans focusing on the upcoming Spring/Summer 2026 promotions, which are typically set a year in advance.
Among the standout products highlighted by Veronica was a line of garden tools featuring batteries that are compatible across the entire range. “This innovative type of product shows significant growth potential and we have officially incorporated it into our sourcing strategy,” she stated.
The pivotal value of the Canton Fair lies in offering access to numerous suppliers, significantly enhancing the efficiency of sample evaluation processes, price negotiations, and on-site production capability inspections. This accelerated decision-making process not only minimizes travel expenses but also allows for the identification of new suppliers that might otherwise remain out of reach and expedites the selection of innovative products that meet crucial functionality, quality, and sustainability standards.
At the Canton Fair, Coop Far East observed several substantial trends aligning with its core strategy focused on sustainability, longevity, and user experience. There exists a skyrocketing demand for multifunctional and compact products, particularly within hygiene and maintenance categories. Moreover, there is a notable surge in products that incorporate natural ingredients and present environmental claims, including items and packaging that utilize recycled materials.
Veronica emphasized the Canton Fair's vital role in bridging Eastern and Western markets, fostering opportunities for global buyers and suppliers to collaborate, inspire creative ideas, and ultimately deliver superior products to consumers. For Coop Far East, the fair transcends the notion of a mere sourcing event; it serves as a strategic platform for shaping the future of retail, imbued with profound significance.
Looking ahead, the next Canton Fair will be hosted from October 15 to November 4, 2025, in Guangzhou. For further details, you can visit
Canton Fair's official site. Photos from the event can also be viewed
here.