Global buyers explore flavor frontiers at 137th Canton Fair’s snacks and sweets showcase

The 137th China Import and Export Fair, more widely known as the Canton Fair, has drawn significant global attention this year not just for its scale, but for the booming demand in one particular segment—snacks and sweets. Held in Guangzhou from May 1 to May 5, 2025, the Phase 3 section themed “Better Life” has turned the spotlight on the evolution of Chinese snack exports and their rising appeal among international buyers.

Long known as a barometer for global trade trends, the Canton Fair has historically featured a diverse range of product categories. However, the latest edition shows clear evidence of how China’s food and beverage sector—particularly snack foods—is becoming an increasingly strategic export category. At a time when global consumers are searching for novelty, affordability, and social media-friendly appeal in packaged foods, the Canton Fair snacks pavilion has emerged as a must-visit hub for food retailers, distributors, and trend analysts.

From traditional pantry items like tea and sauces to distinctly playful candies, the fair presents an integrated culinary experience that merges China’s rich food culture with modern innovation. The presence of a vibrant and well-curated snack showcase underscores a shift: Chinese snacks are no longer niche curiosities but global players vying for shelf space and consumer loyalty across continents.

What Makes Guangdong Sweet Sixteen’s Candy Range a Global Hit?

Among the standout participants this year is Guangdong Sweet Sixteen Foods Co. Ltd, a returning exhibitor whose strategy offers a blueprint for how Chinese confectioners can localize global expansion. The company’s signature bubble gum series features a sour exterior that gradually melts into a sugary core—a sensory journey that resonated strongly with international buyers.

A company representative explained that the concept was born from a desire to break the monotony of conventional sweetness. This idea—of blending surprise with satisfaction—aligns well with Gen Z and millennial snacking preferences, particularly in markets like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom where novelty and flavor layering are key purchase drivers.

The brand’s presence in over 20 countries reflects more than just distribution scale. It signifies that Chinese snack makers, once known primarily for private-label production, are moving toward branded, consumer-facing models. Guangdong Sweet Sixteen’s booth attracted continuous footfall thanks to interactive displays, colourful packaging, and a product portfolio that includes lollipops and cotton candy tailored to cross-cultural palates.

As a leading force in Chinese snack exports, the company is now actively expanding its market share across South America, the Middle East, and Africa, where price-point flexibility and unique taste profiles offer competitive advantages.

How Are Popping Candies and Sensory Sweets Winning Over Buyers?

Another key player capturing attention at the fair is Guangdong Ruima Qi Food Co. Ltd, a specialist popping candy manufacturer with a product line designed to activate not just taste but sensation. Known for products that include popping candy, wearable sweets like candy bracelets and necklaces, and liquid candy formats, the company places equal weight on performance and visual appeal.

According to a company spokesperson, the appeal of high-temperature stable popping candy with a robust popping effect lies in both experience and reliability—factors that global buyers now prioritise. The candies’ extended shelf life and heat resistance are especially valuable for importers operating in warmer climates or long-haul logistics conditions.

Ruima Qi’s export markets span Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Its booth design prominently showcased vibrant candy displays with bold, youth-focused aesthetics—reaffirming the role of packaging as a competitive differentiator in modern confectionery retail.

As consumers in multiple regions seek both familiarity and freshness in their snacks, Ruima Qi’s positioning blends tradition with innovation. Its emergence as a visual-first popping candy manufacturer indicates broader shifts in product development, where sensory novelty and presentation are as critical as taste.

What Traditional Chinese Snacks Are Resonating Globally?

While modern confections garnered much of the attention, the 137th Canton Fair also offered buyers a glimpse into heritage snacks rooted in Chinese food culture. Products such as preserved citrus peel lozenges and candies made from Buddha’s hand fruit showcased the enduring influence of food-as-medicine in Chinese culinary philosophy.

One of the biggest viral snack sensations—latiao, or spicy wheat gluten strips—also featured prominently. Originally a Chinese street food, latiao has found a digital fanbase thanks to short-form video platforms where influencers showcase taste tests and recipe hacks. International buyers were seen negotiating bulk shipments, particularly from markets like Southeast Asia, North Africa, and Eastern Europe where spice-forward snacks are trending.

These products add a new layer of dimension to the narrative around Canton Fair snacks. The convergence of traditional wellness-focused treats and social media-fueled snacks illustrates the range and agility of Chinese manufacturers. It also reinforces the growing market for “East-meets-West” culinary crossovers—snacks that can meet modern demands while preserving authentic roots.

The Future of Chinese Snack Exports

While Guangdong Sweet Sixteen Foods and Guangdong Ruima Qi Food Co. Ltd are privately held, analyst sentiment around the Chinese snack sector has turned increasingly bullish. Investment firms are tracking companies within the space for potential mergers, e-commerce tie-ups, and regional licensing opportunities. Recent institutional activity has focused on export-oriented brands with differentiated IP, scalable production models, and viral marketing capability.

The long-term investor outlook for Chinese snack exports remains favourable as demand accelerates across non-traditional markets. Supply chain adaptability, digital marketing integration, and flavour innovation are being seen as key value drivers. Trade experts note that with more free trade agreements in place across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, Chinese snack companies are well positioned to capture the next wave of demand.

Furthermore, the Canton Fair continues to solidify its role not just as a trade platform but as a testing ground for consumer trends. The ability to spot rising products—whether it’s sour bubble gum, health-centric lozenges, or TikTok-famous spicy strips—gives international buyers a strategic edge in sourcing.

As this year’s fair wraps up, it is clear that snacks have gone from side-show to centre-stage. For global stakeholders seeking flavour-forward, scalable, and culturally resonant snack products, China is not just a source—it’s a creative force redefining the category.