On September 5, 2016 the “Taste the Dream – Grapes from California” event was successfully held in the Renaissance Capital Beijing Hotel. Dozens of media and numerous gourmet-food connoisseurs from different fields were invited to appreciate table grapes from California. The next day, fresh grapes from California were circulated in the Beijing Yintai Mall and presented to consumers just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Grapes from California are of great variety. Among 85 varieties, red table grapes, green table grapes and black table grapes are the most popular among Chinese consumers. Ninety-nine percent of the table grapes grown in the United States are from California. For more than two centuries, California table grape growers have conducted intensive cultivation on this land by relying on the fertile soil, clear, clean water, dry climate and sufficient sunshine. People from generation to generation have promoted and cultivated juicy, delicious and healthy California table grapes with great enthusiasm. The grapes from California have entered the Chinese market over the last 20 years, and their export volume has reached from 1.3 million pounds in 1997 to 45.2 million pounds in 2015, increasing by 3,949%. China plays a decisive role in the export share of grapes from California and in 2015 was the largest export market outside of North America. California Grapes are available in Chinese supermarkets in summer, fall and winter.
In Beijing, under the guidance of the event’s host Ms. Lacy Lan, the guests started their pursuit of tasting the dream. Mr. Bruce Zanin, Minister-Counselor of Agriculture at the American Embassy in Beijing, was invited to be the first guiding person for the pursuit of tasting the dream to explain the important value of American agricultural products in the Chinese market to the guests present.
Afterwards, Ms. Susan Day, Vice President of International Marketing of the California Table Grape Commission, as another guide for tasting the dream, gave a detailed introduction to the extensive work the commission does to promote and highlight the delicious quality of California grapes far and wide and especially in China. Besides, Mr. Mark Ford who is Director of Agricultural Trade Office from the American Embassy in Beijing and Ms. Tong Wang who is Marketing Specialist of Agricultural Trade Office from the American Embassy in Beijing; Mr. Fabian Garcia who is the Assistant Director International Marketing of California Table Grape Commission and Mr. Louis Ng, the commission’s Marketing Director for China and Hong Kong also attended the journey into the pursuit of the dream of California.
During the activity, the nutritionist Ms. Na Liu explained some very interesting facts about the California Grapes, then the chef Mr. Pan gave a demonstration of two California grape refreshments. The food made by Mr. Pan involved the guests actively taking part in the activity, and their rich knowledge and understanding of California was demonstrated in the Q&A section. The most stirring moment was the final dream section. Due to the Mid-Autumn Festival, many people dream of reunion and happiness for the whole family. During this period, the lucky guests, through tasting the dream of Grapes from California, expressed their longing for their family members, and their hope to return home and enjoy the reunion with the delicious grapes from California and to share delicacies. Finally, the California Table Grape Commission also presented their sincerest blessing for the festival, and wished a happy reunion to all guests.
During the Grapes from California Mid-Autumn Taste the Dream event on the second day, Grapes from California also invited the chef Mr. Pan to teach the guests how to make Chinese mooncakes with California table grape stuffing to welcome the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. During the activity, Mr. Pan also made delicious icy mooncakes by adding an infinity of creative elements.
In order for more people to be able to taste the delicious grapes from California, the activity prepared numerous dishes made of California table grapes, including the tasty red, green and black table grapes, as well as iced table grapes and California grape drinks, which were greatly favored by the visitors. A mouthful of exquisite smashed grapes with chocolate and nuts, matched with a cup of California grapes drink was absolutely delicious. Numerous California table grape gifts were also distributed, so that the audience present could enjoy the taste of California grapes and also bring their best wishes to friends and relatives during the festival. It is hoped that the round grapes from California bring sweet blessings to Chinese consumers, wishing that everyone realizes their dreams of reunion.
For more information:
Huang Jingying
+86 10 6588 8675 / 77 / 79 ext. 30