The South Korean booth makes its debut at the 15th East Asia International Food Trade Exposition in Yantai. [Photo/WeChat account: yt6016688]

The four-day 15th East Asia International Food Trade Exposition at the Yantai International Exposition Center concluded on Aug 24.

During the event, 275 million yuan ($39.79 million) worth of deals were inked. In addition, companies signed letters of intent involving potential deals worth 970 million yuan.

This year’s expo saw a record number of exhibitors and exhibits, attracting more than 30 large supermarkets and nearly 3,000 agents, dealers and e-commerce sellers from across China, according to Mou Jianping, general manager of Asia Europe International Exhibition Company, one of the organizers.

One highlight of the event was the South Korean delegation making their debut.

The annual expo aims to promote close exchanges and cooperation in the food industry, as well as further accelerate the high-quality development of Yantai's food industry.

During the event, leading food enterprises and retailers discussed about the future development of the industry at a series of food industry forums and industrial promotional meetings. In addition, a negotiation meeting provided a platform for more than 100 enterprises to seek business cooperation opportunities.

Li Yupeng, a sea cucumber retailer from Yantai who was participating for the first time, was among those who benefitted from the expo. He said he had signed letters of intent with several enterprises from other provinces.

Wang Yong, who hails from an aquatic products association in Hui'an county, Fujian province, said that the expo has helped promote Hui'an food and given him the opportunity to connect with local food dealers in Shandong province.