China is a booming market playing an increasingly important role on the world stage. In 2008, despite the world financial crisis, China’s GDP grew at a rate of 9%, surpassing Germany to rank third in world GDP behind the U.S. and Japan. China has experienced remarkable economic growth with an increase of disposable income among the middle class, and accession to the WTO has allowed drops in tariffs. Chinese consumers spend a large portion of their budget on food products. The total value of U.S. agricultural products imported by China reached $14.4 billion by the end of 2008, an increase of 57.8%. The retail and hotel/restaurant industries are the two largest and most important distribution channels for imported food products in China. Many international companies have recognized the robust opportunities and are exploring this market.