Washington Fuji Granny apples

China’s e-commerce site JD.com has launched an initiative to bring US food and beverages to its Chinese consumers.

US ambassador to China Max Baucus was on hand to promote US produce at the launch event, held in Beijing on 27 January.

“JD.com customers have a tremendous appetite for imported foods, and we are delighted to bring even more of the best international brands to China,” JD chief executive Haoyu Shen said in a company statement. “This push to expand our sales of imported food products is resonating with our customers because they know that the JD.com brand means authentic and safe products.”

As well as importing US fresh fruit, JD.com will promote Californian wines, Boston lobster and products from some of the leading brands in the US.

Embassy officials from Australia, Chile, Canada, France and New Zealand will also participate in similar events to promote sales of their respective goods with JD.com.

Last year, JD.com launched partnerships with the Australia Ministry of Agriculture as well as Chilean fruit growers to build its supply of imported produce.