Sainsbury’s has stepped up its interest in China after sending former finance director Darrren Shapland on a fact-finding mission to the key emerging market.

The supermarket admitted earlier this summer that it was considering opening stores in China and in July sent Michael Hodgson to Shanghai in a new role as head of international trading strategy.

The latest move saw Shapland lead a six-strong delegation of senior managers to the country.

Sainsbury’s also reportedly met officials from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce when they were in London last week.

Incoming Tesco boss Philip Clarke has already identified expansion in Asia to be a key priority as he gears up to take the helm from Sir Terry Leahy. Last week he announced plans to launch an online service in Shanghai.

Read more
Clarke to take Tesco online in China (21 September 2010)
Sainsbury’s Hodgson heads for Shanghai to spot opportunities (10 July 2010)