On October 13th, an outstanding gastronomic event was held in Beijing at the “Adali” restaurant of the Westin Beijing Chaoyang Hotel, organized by Chinexita and supported by Extremadura Avante and Alimentos de Extremadura. This event was designed to present the quality and versatility of Extremadura’s agri-food products to the Chinese market, creating an atmosphere of commercial and cultural exchange in which representatives of Extremadura companies, importers and Chinese and Spanish authorities participated.
Institutional Ceremony and Opening of the Event
The welcoming ceremony began at 11:30 with the reception of the attendees and continued at 12:00 with the screening of a welcome video by the President of the Regional Government of Extremadura, who highlighted the importance of the commercial and cultural ties between Extremadura and China.
Ms. Gao Xiaoquin, Representative of the Beijing Information Technology Association and the Professional Committee for International Cooperation in Digital Economy, highlighted the relevance of the economic and digital cooperation between both regions.
Tasting of Extremaduran Products and Presentation of the Menu
At 12:45, chef Yang Yuqin, an expert in Chinese and Spanish cuisine, kicked off the gastronomic part with the presentation of a cocktail menu, carefully designed in collaboration with Extremadura Avante to highlight the flavors and quality of Extremadura’s ingredients. Attendees enjoyed a tasting of acorn-fed Iberian ham from Extremadura, courtesy of master slicer Zhang Xianlin, who accompanied those present with explanations about this product and its preparation methods.
The menu included four cold tapas such as salmorejo with Iberian ham, mustard prawn balls with bitter orange marmalade and 100% Iberian salami “char siu” cake. For hot tapas, three-delicious dumplings with Iberian ham and octopus with Pimentón de la Vera paprika, among others, were served. Attendees also enjoyed innovative desserts such as glutinous rice cakes with jam and Extremadura cava sorbets, as well as regional wines and cavas.
This gastronomic tour was enlivened by the chef himself, who explained each dish, highlighting the adaptability of Extremaduran products in Chinese cuisine.
Cultural Experience and Networking
The atmosphere was enriched with live flamenco guitar music, which accompanied the event and offered a touch of Spanish cultural authenticity. The musical presentation highlighted Extremaduran culture, creating a welcoming atmosphere conducive to dialogue and connection among attendees.
In addition to the tastings, the event provided a networking space where Extremaduran companies could display their products on tables decorated with identifying signs and flags of Extremadura. Chinese importers and those interested in the gastronomic sector had the opportunity to interact directly with producers, generating business contacts and exploring new opportunities for the distribution of Extremadura products in China.
Event Impact and Results
This gastronomic event met its objectives by presenting Alimentos de Extremadura products to a professional audience in China, thus boosting their recognition and demand. It also promoted the regional identity of Extremadura as an area rich in agri-food resources and cultural heritage, supported by the interventions of authorities and an innovative gastronomic proposal. The event facilitated the introduction of new Extremaduran products in the Chinese market and strengthened the position of already well-known products such as Iberian ham and olive oil, reinforcing their reputation through combinations that highlighted their versatility and quality.
The collaboration between Extremadura Avante and Alimentos de Extremadura reinforces their commitment to the internationalization of Extremadura products, establishing commercial ties and highlighting Extremadura’s potential in the global culinary arena.
