Zhao Yuqi opens Organic Market Asia 2026 with keynote address
The founder and chairwoman of the Qimei Group delivered the opening ceremony address at Organic Market Asia 2026 in Shanghai — with three initiatives for the Asian organic sector.
Opening ceremony address in Shanghai
Zhao Yuqi, founder and chairwoman of the Qimei Industrial Group and president of the Hebei Organic Industry Development Association, delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of Organic Market Asia 2026, held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. Co-organized by IFOAM Asia and Sinoexpo Informa Markets, the event brings together producers, industry experts and buyers from around the world to discuss the future of the organic sector.
Bridging standards and markets
Zhao highlighted the organic sector's role in ecological protection, food safety and rural revitalization — and the shared challenges of certification mutual recognition and supply chain standardization. Drawing on the history of Qimei — started in 1999 on reclaimed sandy wasteland in Hebei, today one of the major closed-loop organic bases — she shared approaches to integrating planting and deep processing. Qimei currently exports to 37 countries and holds five major organic certifications (China, EU, USDA, Canada and Japan).
Three initiatives for the industry
First: promote mutual recognition of organic certifications across Asia to reduce compliance costs in cross-border trade. Second: encourage integrated farming and processing models that use technology to enhance product diversity and sustainability. Third: use platforms like OMA to connect associations and enterprises, creating stable routes into global markets. "We must stay true to our ecological roots and uphold strict quality standards," Zhao stated. "By working together, we can ensure that safe, healthy and sustainable organic products reach households across Asia and the world."
Engagement beyond the stage
Beyond the opening ceremony, Zhao took part in several closed-door forums — in exchange with IFOAM Asia, international organic associations and global retail procurement teams. Topics included cross-border organic trade, jointly developed international production bases and the expansion of global brand distribution. The Qimei Group will continue to export mature Chinese organic practices while introducing global technologies and channels.
