The 2026 Inaugural Bakery Go Global Forum Concludes Successfully!
The Call to “Go Global” Has Been Sounded

On May 22, 2026, the 2026 Inaugural Bakery Go Global Forum was held concurrently with the 28th China International Bakery Exhibition (Bakery China 2026). Guided by the China Association of Bakery & Confectionery Industry and hosted by Bakery China Exhibitions Co., Ltd., the Forum brought together professional expertise across the entire overseas business ecosystem of the bakery industry. Gathering leading forces including Euromonitor International, BARECA Media, Angel Yeast Co., Ltd., Homtree, Indonesia-China Business Center, Kuehne + Nagel (K+N), and China Travel Service, the event delivered an in-depth knowledge session on “Go Global to Indonesia” to hundreds of bakery professionals in attendance.

Mr. Zhang Jiukui, President of the China Association of Bakery & Confectionery Industry, emphasized in his opening address that China’s bakery industry is facing an unprecedented window of opportunity for going global. While the Southeast Asian market holds immense potential, Indonesia, as the largest economy in ASEAN, is brimming with vibrant consumption vitality. He stressed that economic and trade cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries has evolved from the previous “unilateral export” model to one of “bilateral win-win outcomes” — Chinese enterprises are not only bringing products and technologies but are also deeply integrating into local industrial chains, achieving resource sharing, mutual recognition of standards, and joint brand building. He officially announced that the 2026 ASEAN International Bakery Exhibition (Bakery ASEAN) will be held from August 27 to 29, 2026 at JIE in Jakarta, Indonesia, helping Chinese bakery brands transition from “product exports” to “brand globalization.”

Ms. Lin Li, Assistant to the President of the China Association of Bakery & Confectionery Industry and Managing Director of Bakery China, noted that the Southeast Asian bakery market is projected to grow from US$10.89 billion in 2023 to US$14.99 billion in 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%, of which the Indonesian market is expected to grow at an even higher CAGR of 8%, presenting a trillion-yuan opportunity. Bakery ASEAN will serve as a precisely targeted and highly effective trade platform, featuring concurrently held events such as the Bakery ASEAN Industry Summit, Master Classes, and Elite Networking Salons. The combined exhibition area of concurrent shows will reach 20,000 square meters, with expectations to attract over 500 exhibitors and 50,000 professional buyers. This marks Bakery China’s first overseas exhibition, representing a significant milestone in the globalization of China’s bakery industry.

Ms. Tang Kaili, Global Insight Manager for Going Global at Euromonitor International, pointed out that Indonesia has a population of 290 million, with a median age of just 32 years and median disposable income exceeding US$3,000 per capita, representing a young market with immense consumption potential. Over 75% of Asia-Pacific’s bakery and cereal product sales are concentrated in China and Japan, leaving significant untapped opportunities in Southeast Asia, where Indonesia stands out as the largest opportunity. She projected that Indonesia’s bakery category has entered a period of accelerated penetration, with a CAGR of 6.6% to 8% from 2024 to 2030.

Mr. Petrus Gandamana, Founder of BARECA Media, shared his observations on the local Indonesian market, noting that the Indonesian baking market is undergoing a transformation from a “developing market” to a “significant growth market.” According to data tracked by BARECA, the retail market size for packaged bakery products has grown from IDR 47.9 trillion to IDR 64.9 trillion, representing a CAGR of 6.3%. Indonesia’s youthful demographics, urbanization process, and food culture are collectively driving sustained market expansion, while convenience stores, traditional markets, online delivery platforms, and social e-commerce together form a diversified channel ecosystem. He specifically highlighted that Chinese brand AOKA has achieved a leading position in Indonesia’s traditional market through localized pricing and distribution, demonstrating the tremendous potential of combining China’s bakery manufacturing capabilities with Indonesian demand. He suggested that Chinese companies leverage local distributors, establish technical support and training centers, and gradually expand by starting with small and medium-sized chains. Despite its complexity, the Indonesian market is experiencing robust growth, and Bakery ASEAN will serve as a key gateway to the Indonesian and broader Southeast Asian bakery ecosystem.

Mr. Dong Zhihong, Senior Manager of the Asia-Pacific Division of Angel Yeast Co., Ltd., analyzed the “three-channel” landscape of the Indonesian bakery market: traditional offline channels (street-side shops and traditional markets) account for 50%, modern retail and professional channels account for 40%, while online delivery and e-commerce make up the remaining 10%. Brands such as Sari Roti and Lotte Choco Pie have maintained long-term leadership through omni-channel integration and localized supply chains. He revealed that Angel Yeast has been deeply rooted in Indonesia for over 25 years. In March 2025, the company began constructing a new factory in Lampung Province with an investment of nearly RMB 1 billion, designed to produce 20,000 tons of yeast and 40,000 tons of organic fertilizer annually, with production expected to commence in the first quarter of next year. He also extended an invitation to interested enterprises to “join hands with Angel Yeast,” sharing channel networks and technical services through models of “fleet sailing” and “multiple high-speed train units coupled together,” thereby upgrading from product exports to capacity exports and integrated R&D-production-sales.

Mr. Zhang Jian, Founder of Homtree, emphasized that going global is no longer a matter of choice but a necessary step for bakery enterprises seeking to grow and thrive. He proposed the “People-Goods-Venue” methodology for going global and the “5W2H” implementation framework, urging enterprises to clarify “who will do it, whom to serve, and whom to partner with,” while strictly observing the two red lines of “personal safety” and “capital security.” He expressed firm conviction that China’s bakery industry is fully capable of achieving comprehensive exports of products, technologies, standards, and brands, transitioning from a “Chinese factory” to a “global baking partner.”

Ms. Guo Lijia, Deputy General Manager of Indonesia-China Business Center, stated that Indonesia is currently benefiting from the global industrial relocation, offering stable geopolitics and a continuously improving business environment, which has made it a top destination for Chinese enterprises going global. The Indonesian bakery market is substantial, accounting for over 68% of the total market share in Southeast Asia. Significant local gaps exist in high-end ingredients, functional yeast, biodegradable packaging, and automated equipment, presenting clear opportunities for Chinese companies. She issued a special reminder: entering Indonesia requires navigating three key regulatory certifications — Halal certification, BPOM certification, and the SNI national standard.

Ms. Gao Lili, Project Manager for Exhibitions at Kuehne + Nagel (China) Co., Ltd., outlined the key logistics milestones for exhibits. Food products must have health certificates and Halal certificates prepared in advance, with the ocean freight cut-off date set for June 22 and the air freight cut-off date for August 7 (freezable items to be confirmed separately). For returning exhibits, exhibitors may use an ATA Carnet — an international customs document commonly referred to as a “passport for goods” — which allows for duty-free treatment and streamlined customs clearance. She also noted that all wooden packaging must display an IPPC mark and be accompanied by an inspection certificate. While the first six digits of the HS code are globally harmonized, the last four digits may vary by country, requiring accurate advance declaration from enterprises.

Mr. Zhang Bo, Project Manager at China Travel Service (Beijing) Co., Ltd., provided practical guidance on business travel, sharing advice on selecting appropriate Indonesian visa types, travel precautions, and local transportation and accommodation recommendations, helping to clear up travel-related questions for enterprises planning to visit or exhibit in Indonesia.

Currently, booth sales for Bakery ASEAN are entering their final stretch, with remaining booth space extremely limited. This represents a golden opportunity to secure an early position in the Indonesian and broader Southeast Asian market — to connect directly with local distributors, chain buyers, bakery workshop owners, and e-commerce sellers. One exhibition, one ecosystem.

For more information about Bakery ASEAN and related services, please contact us for details!