Mexico's not just for avocados

Mexico has brought 65 companies to the China International Import Expo, with around 50 of them new to the market.

"It is a very good platform for Mexican companies to get connected with this huge market, and for Chinese enterprises to know more about what's excellent from Mexico," said Mario Chacon, CEO of Pro Mexico, organizer of the nation's pavilion at CIIE.

The Latin American country, one of 12 guest countries of honor, is eager to show it is not just all about avocados. 

"We are biggest beer exporter in the world, seventh in beef, have one of the three manufacturers that make carbon fiber fans used in aero engines, and much more," Chacon said.

Frutihelados, a firm that specializes in ice cream served inside real fruit, has sparked plenty of interest already.

As for avocados, veteran expats in Shanghai may recall how difficult it was to find them in the city just 10 years ago, compared to their popularity today, including innovative use in Chinese dishes.

For popular products such as these, manufacturers and distributors are looking to sign agreements with Alibaba's fresh products platform.