While visitors at the Canton Fair are exploring toys and textiles, a revolution is unfolding in the food products pavilion. Sugar-free candies, natural dried fruits, low-calorie konjac snacks — Chinese manufacturers are betting on health while preserving traditional flavors. And here is how CCTV+ reports on this:

A wide range of tasty and healthy "new Chinese style" food products is winning the hearts of buyers from around the world at the 139th China Import and Export Fair — the Canton Fair — in Guangzhou, southern China.

This year, the fair is held in three phases in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and runs until May 5. The third phase, scheduled for May 1–5, focuses on toys, products for pregnant women and new mothers, home textiles, stationery, as well as health and leisure goods.

The candy section drew particular attention, with many foreign buyers lingering to look at the colorful treats. Despite the variety of shapes and flavors, all the sweets share one common feature: they are low in sugar and healthier.

Against the backdrop of a global shift toward healthier eating, Chinese companies are redoubling their innovation efforts. While preserving traditional flavors, they are upgrading their products across the board, making low sugar and fewer additives the new standard.

Ashley Zileski, a buyer from Australia, said: "I saw many sugar-free options, as well as those using natural flavorings and colorings, which is very pleasing."

Beyond healthy candies, a wide range of light Chinese-style dishes is also gaining popularity among overseas buyers.

Exhibitor Li Xi noted: "At home and abroad, people are increasingly choosing healthy food — low-calorie, low-fat and high in dietary fiber."

Buyer Chekuchyan Maria from Armenia added: "Parents care mainly about their children's health, as well as their own. So our main goal is to export from China to Armenia healthy candies, dried fruits, dry snacks that are almost one hundred percent natural."

Konjac products — konjac is a plant whose root is used to produce a low-calorie dietary fiber supplement — contain almost zero calories, are rich in dietary fiber and absorb flavors of spices and sauces perfectly. At the fair, they attracted many foreign buyers, alongside a variety of high-protein and organic products.

Nigerian buyer Chinedu Peter Ananawa shared his impression: "The taste was perfect, and the spices were blended in the right proportions, so everything was really delicious. I think this is the first time I've tried squid balls and beef meatballs."