Alibaba Group, San Mateo, Calif., announced strategic cooperation with Driscoll’s, Watsonville, Calif., and Chicken of the Sea, San Diego, Calif., to bring U.S. food products to China. Through this effort, Chinese consumers can purchase fresh strawberries and high-quality seafood directly on Alibaba's Tmall platform.

“The Chinese market opportunity for fresh, American grown produce is tremendous, and we believe Alibaba allows us to expand consumer access to our berries, and we’ll be able to take full advantage of that opportunity,” says Jae Chun, Driscoll’s vice president and general manager of China. “We look forward to making our Driscoll’s finest berries available to Chinese consumers.”

“Chinese consumers are increasingly discerning and demanding, putting a premium on safety and quality when shopping for fresh and chilled seafood, such as lobster, shrimp and salmon,” says Faisal Sheikh, managing director of emerging markets, Thai Union/Chicken of the Sea. “Everyone at Chicken of the Sea is excited to join forces with Alibaba, to provide the highest-quality seafood available directly to the Chinese consumer.”

China presents unique opportunities for U.S. farmers and producers due to the strong demand across China for quality food products, especially fresh produce. This strategic cooperation enables U.S. producers, wholesalers and associations to export fresh and prepared foods directly to Chinese consumers. Cainiao Network, Alibaba’s logistics affiliate, enables same-day and next-day delivery in more than 1,100 counties and districts in China.

"We are thrilled to welcome these two companies onto our platform, and to help facilitate their journey to reach millions of Chinese consumers,” says Jet Jing, vice president of Alibaba Group. "These mutually beneficial partnerships will allow Alibaba to diversify the options available to consumers on our platforms, and we can help both Driscoll’s and Chicken of the Sea to successfully build their brand and presence in China."