The Lunar New Year has recently passed, traditionally a time for renewal, planning and looking ahead. This year, the Fire Horse is said to bring a sense of endurance and forward movement, qualities that align well with our goals for 2026. Julien Zhu, our BD and correspondent for East Asia, has been embodying that energy over the last few weeks during Pharmaoffer’s first China trip of the year.
Travel plans often evolve on the ground, and so did our itinerary. Rather than covering several provinces, we are choosing to go deep into the local ecosystem. By focusing on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen axis, we coordinated nine major meetings in less than a week.
This focused approach allowed for detailed discussions with a diverse range of industry players:
- Meetings with market leaders like Hybio (a major force in Peptides) and Shenzhen Salubris focused on long-term 2026 strategies.
- Rapid scale-up visits, like with GlobalX, a Guangzhou-based firm founded in 2020 that has already achieved significant global revenue.
- Reconnecting with some of our long-standing clients, such as Senova, and major distributors like Sinobright.
Holding productive sessions with interesting partners like Guangzhou Green Cross, Zhuhai Beri, and Xiushi Pharma, the latter even traveling to Shenzhen specifically for the meeting.
Why presence matters
Given the high importance of China’s API production and the increasing R&D investments we’ve observed across the region, these face-to-face visits are essential. Seeing these facilities firsthand helps us better navigate the logistical and regulatory complexities that define the global supply chain.
Based on our observations, the region’s focus on manufacturing excellence continues to strengthen, which is vital for the reliable supply of active ingredients our partners depend on.
The heart of the city: the flower market
Travelling so close to spring also means time for some festivities and leisure. Even with a packed business schedule, Julien made time for the Guangzhou Spring Festival Floating Flower Market.
The Spring Festival Market is a centuries-old tradition dating back to the Ming Dynasty, rooted in the city’s identity as the “City of Flowers.” Historically, merchants transported blossoms by boat along the Pearl River, creating a vibrant trading hub right on the water. Today, it remains a cultural centerpiece where locals “walk the flower street” to welcome good fortune and prosperity for the new year. It serves as a grounded reminder of the city’s deep cultural roots, even as it continues to evolve into the global landscape.
Trip is going to be wrapped up soon, and we look forward to all the souvenirs Julien is bring to the team. Safe travels Julien!