BEIJING, May 29 - The 2025 Asia (Beijing) International Food Exhibition (AIFE) is currently underway, featuring significant developments in China's food industry, particularly in the realms of organic foods, products aimed at seniors, and the use of robotics in food preparation.

The exhibition displays an extensive selection of organic and green food products, including edible oils, fruits, edible bird's nests, plant-based beverages, and milk sourced from various countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Russia.

Observations indicate a notable increase in consumer interest regarding organic products, with many attendees inquiring about the organic status of items they are considering for purchase.

This trend reflects a broader shift in Chinese consumer preferences toward high-quality, health-conscious foods, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Malaysian exhibitor, Li Jianfeng, emphasized the growing opportunities within China’s organic food sector, asserting its potential for significant growth.

Over 100 brands from both China and international markets are participating in this year's AIFE, which runs from May 27 to 29. The exhibition also places a strong emphasis on food products tailored for the elderly.

As China's population ages, there has been a considerable focus on creating food options that meet the specific nutritional and dietary needs of senior citizens.

These offerings include items that are more easily digestible and have a balanced nutrient profile.

Feng Ming from Want Want Group highlighted their low glycemic index (GI) products, which have received authoritative certifications.

Prominent companies such as Nestlé, Yili, and Nongfu Spring have also launched dedicated lines aimed at accommodating the elderly demographic, aligning with the industry’s adaptability to the aging population.

In addition to traditional food products, the exhibition showcases advanced robotics technology in food service.

Robots capable of producing ice cream and coffee have garnered considerable attention for their efficiency and innovative designs, with an ice cream-making robot able to serve a product in approximately 40 seconds.

These robotic systems, equipped with cloud-based technology, are suitable for deployment in various high-traffic locations such as tourist attractions, office complexes, shopping malls, cinemas, and transportation hubs.

Projections estimate that the scale of China's robotics industry will reach around 400 billion yuan during the upcoming '15th Five-Year Plan' period, spanning 2026 to 2030.