The inaugural Russian Food Culture Festival — Dalian Edition commenced on Sunday in Dalian, Liaoning province. It will feature a nine-day showcase of more than 80 production and trade companies organized by the Russian Export Center.

The event presents more than 1,200 Russian brand products spanning six categories, including grains and oils, confectioneries, beverages and fast food.

"We have engaged in negotiations with dozens of enterprises across the six categories. The intended contract amount is around 1 billion yuan ($139 million)," said Chen Xin, president of the food cluster at Dashang Group, a leading retailer based in Dalian.

"Through the nationwide retail network of the Dashang Group, we aim to introduce quality Russian food products to more Chinese consumers," Chen said.