Waitrose strikes China deal on Alibaba's Tmall

Published: 22-Apr-2016

UK retailer will brings beauty and baby care products to Chinese consumers

UK supermarket retailer Waitrose has secured an export deal with Tmall, China’s largest third party ecommerce platform.

Under the agreement, Waitrose will bring an initial offering of 30 products including beauty and baby products to Chinese consumers through Avenue51, which runs the Royal Mail store on Tmall Global. The Royal Mail store lists British brands on Tmall, which is owned by Alibaba Group. Among the products on sale will be some of Waitrose’s own-brand skus including its Baby bottom butter.

Waitrose commercial director, Mark Williamson, said: “The potential for Waitrose in China is huge and although it’s a relatively modest start it’s our ambition to see it become our biggest international business in the next three to five years. We are proud that Waitrose is recognised around the world for quality and excited to be reaching new markets.”

Amee Chande, Managing Director, UK/Ireland & Nordics, from Alibaba Group, added: “Chinese consumers seek out high quality British brands and Alibaba is happy to provide the platform for Waitrose to introduce its products to China’s homes and kitchens. Waitrose joins a number of leading British brands already available through the Royal Mail Store on Tmall Global and we hope that many others will follow given the potential that China offers to their business and the demand that exists for British products.”

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