A Sydney business has transformed their brand into a multi-million dollar business with soaring popularity in China by selling a product that removes chemicals from vegetables.
At the City of Sydney's Small Business Digital 101: China online seminar at Customs House on Wednesday 26 September, Paul Davidson will share insights on how he and partner Jessica Bragdon launched and grew their business, KOALA ECO, in China.
Rinat Sadykov, co-founder of travel company Cozitrip, will share his journey of setting up a business with partners in Shanghai and Beijing.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the free business seminar will help local businesses learn how to unlock the huge international market on Sydney's doorstep.
"China represents 25 per cent of the global online market and the demand for Australian products is growing, which creates huge opportunities for small businesses," the Lord Mayor said.
"We host these seminars to bring in the experts and give small businesses the chance to learn how they can use their online channels to reach and sell to Chinese consumers."
After launching in January 2017, KOALA ECO now sells up to 30,000 units a month in China alone with natural cleaning products using Australian essential oils.
Mr Davidson said the key to ECO's success has been creating and supplying an authentic Australian product.
"We built our domestic sales and footprint first and then launched in China with the same branded products," Mr Davidson said.
"Chinese consumers want to know that they're buying something that's popular in Australia. They want to know that they're buying a brand Australians actually use.
"I think it's important to have an Australian website as Chinese customers want to see you're a legitimate brand and that you are sold in Australia."
Other speakers at the seminar include Nicolas Chu, CEO of Sinorbis, which operates a digital marketing company that specialises in launching businesses in China, and Alison Airey from the Australia China Business Council.
There will be an opportunity for six businesses to have a 15-minute one-on-one session with the Sinorbis team to ask specific questions about their business.
Small Business Digital 101: China online seminar
Learn to use digital channels to promote and sell to Chinese consumers
When: Wednesday 26 September
Time: 6pm to 8.30pm
Cost: free, but bookings are essential
Bookings and event information: cityconv.eventsair.com/sbds260918/accept/Site/Register
For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis. Phone mobile 0467 810 160 or email bwallis@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Anusha Muller. Phone 0408 494 545 or email amuller@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au