Alibaba.com has unveiled the most popular product categories for UK buyers and trending products.
With Super September – Alibaba.com’s biggest sales event of the year – well underway, recent Alibaba.com data shows the Packaging & Printing category has experienced the biggest growth in the UK. There has been a 39 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth increase in UK buyers and 24 per cent increase in gross merchandise value (GMV).
From eco-friendly and biodegradable packaging to compostable and recyclable options, B2B buyers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable products. This is reflected in Alibaba.com’s data, with UK sales of biodegradable plastic bags up by 33 per cent YoY, and UK sales of paper bags with frosted windows up by 25 per cent.
The second-best performing category is Industrial Machinery, with a 32 per cent YoY increase in UK buyers and a 32 per cent increase in GMV. Flexible processing machinery is in demand for diverse and small-batch production, with Gen Z consumers increasingly looking for bespoke, personalized experiences. UK sales of food and drink machines have increased by 22 per cent YoY.
Apparel & Accessories is the third best performing category, with a 23 per cent YoY in UK buyers and 13 per cent increase in GMV. Popular items span tailored dresses through to casual leisurewear (e.g., hoodies) and sports clothing.
Roland Palmer, General Manager of UK, Benelux and Nordics, Alibaba Group, said: “The top product categories for UK buyers – from packaging to apparel – reflect the rich diversity of products available on Alibaba. It is also very encouraging to see more and more businesses use the platform to buy eco-friendly and biodegradable items. This Super September, we’re seeing UK buyers – particularly SME wholesalers – turn to Alibaba for a wide range of sourcing solutions, connecting with suppliers all over the world.
As many UK B2B buyers prepare for Q4 – for many businesses the busiest period of the year – the digital sourcing opportunity Alibaba provides could be transformative for unlocking business growth.”
During Super September, business buyers in the UK can access new and exciting products with on-time delivery, as well as quality suppliers showcasing their factories and product lines through livestreams and more than 20,000 VR show rooms.
For the first time, during this year’s Super September, buyers from the EU and the UK can access a dedicated ‘European pavilion’ which features 1.5 million products with EU product certificates, giving buyers peace of mind over their purchases.
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