Food processing and packaging company tna has further expanded into China with the opening of a new office.
TNA Solutions Co. Ltd has been launched in Shanghai to provide local manufacturers with on-the-ground support services.
It will be managed by Sean Xu, who recently joined tna as general manager – China. He will host both sales and technical service staff.
The new office follows the opening of tna’s first Chinese manufacturing site in Qingdao in 2011, and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the region and the local food industry.
CEO Alf Taylor said the new office was a key part of expanding tna's global footprint.
"Our installation base in the country is well-established, ranging from baggers, conveyors, fryers and seasoning equipment to complete potato processing and confectionery moulding lines," he said.
"With the new Shanghai office, we are even more accessible to our local customer base and provide them with the support they need to maximise the potential of our integrated packaging and processing solutions.”
Sean Xu said the Chinese food industry is expected to grow faster than anywhere else in the world.
"It’s a huge and highly competitive market, but it’s also a market filled with opportunities," he said.
"In particular, food safety and automation will be key issues over the next few years, something tna is well-equipped for thanks to its comprehensive portfolio of integrated turnkey solutions.
"There is also a growing number of time-pressed consumers with higher disposable incomes, who desire confectionery products with new tastes and flavours, making it an ideal market for our flexible starch moulding technology from NID.
"Together, we’ll be able to equip local manufacturers with the tools and strategies they need to gain a stronger competitive advantage.”
China in numbers
- China’s GDP per capita grew at a CAGR of 8% during 2011–2016.
- A high GDP growth rate coupled with a high proportion of younger demographics make China an attractive investment destination for consumer goods companies and is expected to have a positive influence on the savoury snacks sector.
- The sector was valued at US$10,515.4 million in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% during 2016–2021.
- Increasing disposable income and growing employment rates are the key growth drivers for the savoury snacks sector in China.
- China is also one of the largest confectionery markets globally, with a value of US$15,584 million and a strong growth forecast of 8.6% CAGR over the 2016–2021 period.
(Source: GlobalData, October 2017)
