Coop Far East's Strategic Endeavors at the 137th Canton Fair Yield Thriving Partnerships

The 137th Canton Fair: A Gateway for Coop Far East

The 137th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, concluded with unprecedented excitement, showcasing record-breaking international buyer attendance. Among the key participants was Coop Far East, a procurement office of Coop Italia, Italy's largest retail company. This event allowed them to explore fresh opportunities in sourcing world-class non-food consumer goods.

Coop Far East deployed a dedicated 15-member procurement team during this year’s spring fair, allowing them to delve into various categories such as small appliances, stationery, DIY tools, textiles, and footwear. Veronica Natalini, the managing director of Coop Far East, expressed her enthusiasm about the procurement plans finalized for the Spring/Summer 2026 campaigns, which are typically planned a year in advance.

One of the standout products identified during the fair was a series of DIY garden tools equipped with compatible batteries that fit the entire product line, illustrating a trend towards innovation with significant growth potential. “This particular product aligns with our focus on functionality, quality, and sustainability, and is now part of our procurement blueprint for the upcoming year,” remarked Veronica.

With the Canton Fair's core value centered around providing access to a multitude of suppliers in a single location, Coop Far East leverages this opportunity to boost efficiency in evaluating samples, negotiating prices, and assessing on-site production capacities. This significantly accelerates the decision-making process while minimizing travel costs, enabling the company to identify new suppliers and inspect innovative products that meet their stringent criteria quickly.

During the event, Coop Far East also noted critical trends that resonate with their strategy targeting longevity, sustainability, and user experience. Notably, the demand for multifunctional and space-saving designs in the household and personal care categories is on the rise. Concurrently, products boasting natural ingredients and eco-friendly claims, including those utilizing recycled materials in their packaging, are gaining traction.

Veronica pointed out, “The Canton Fair plays an essential role in bridging East and West, fostering collaboration opportunities between global buyers and suppliers. It encourages the development of creative ideas and ultimately provides consumers with better products. For Coop Far East, this fair isn't just a procurement event; it’s a strategic platform that shapes the retail future with profound significance.”

Looking ahead, the 138th Canton Fair is scheduled to take place from October 15 to November 4, 2025, in Guangzhou, promising further opportunities to strengthen international ties and pursue innovation in retail. For those interested in insights and updates regarding the fair, more information can be found on Canton Fair's official website.

In conclusion, Coop Far East's participation in the Canton Fair highlights the importance of global trade fairs in shaping procurement strategies and expanding supplier networks, thus reinforcing their commitment to delivering top-tier products to consumers.