Ningbo company helps introduce Benin's pineapples to China

Thanks to efforts by Zhejiang Teams International, a company in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, Benin's sugarloaf pineapples captivated attendees during their debut at the ongoing 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Benin's sugarloaf pineapple is dubbed the "sweetest pineapple in the world" and was granted permission for import into China in September. It took just two months for a thousand kilograms of pineapples from Benin to make their debut in the Chinese market. At the 6th CIIE that kicked off in Shanghai on Nov 5, the pineapples from Benin have attracted throngs of visitors.

"We've been importing agricultural products from Benin since 2013. After their debut at the CIIE, I think that the pineapples will break into new markets in China and be welcomed by more Chinese consumers," said Chen Weiwei, project leader of the Benin China Economic and Trade Development Center, or Benin Center.

Chen said that they are seeking new partners through the CIIE platform to help promote Benin's pineapples to more customers.

The Benin Center, a cooperation project between the governments of China and Benin, was built in 2008. It is funded and operated by Zhejiang Teams International. The center has helped export 150,000 metric tons of Benin’s agricultural products, including soybeans and cashews, with a total value exceeding $200 million.

"I visited Ningbo four years ago and was impressed by the city's hospitality," said Laurent Gangbes, director-general of the Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Exports, an investment arm of Benin, "Many companies from Ningbo have been engaged in trade and investment in Benin, such as the Benin Center, which is important to us."