At the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), international exhibitors showed how Shanghai influences the products they bring to market. The city's architecture and everyday life inspired some of the designs on display, and several companies highlighted their research and development activities in Shanghai.

Shanghai details on the show floor

Crocs chose the expo for the global debut of its Shanghai-inspired collection. One clog features embroidered patterns inspired by the decorative tiles of Shanghai's traditional shikumen lane houses, paired with an antique-style lock-and-key charm. Other styles evoke the city's modern skyline through contrasting colors and metallic finishes.

Shanghai map graphics and white magnolia motifs appear on running shoes and apparel in Nike's Marathon Racing Collection. Some shoes also feature the city's 021 area code.

Swiss chocolate maker Lindt took its cue from its own Shanghai storefront. It recreated elements of its Huaihai Road store at the expo, including its colorful chocolate wall, and served freshly made chocolate drinks.

Local research on display

While some exhibitors drew on Shanghai for design inspiration, others used the expo to showcase their research and development in the city.

At its CIIE booth, Syngenta Group displayed a model of the crop protection innovation center it is building in Shanghai's Jinshan district. Construction began in January. The center will focus on developing ways to protect rice and other crops from pests, diseases, and weeds under local growing conditions.

Two years ago, Danone used CIIE to help bring a children's nutrition drink to the Chinese market via cross-border e-commerce. At this year's expo, the company introduced a new version developed and manufactured in China.

On Nov 2, just before the expo, Danone opened its Shanghai Research & Innovation Center in Pudong New Area. The center integrates nutrition research, product development, and pilot production.

At this year's expo, Louis Dreyfus Company launched a feed ingredient developed at its global R&D center in Pudong. The ingredient is an emulsifier designed to help animals digest fats and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Sources: Shanghai Observer; official WeChat accounts of the companies mentioned above