Market research in China – our capabilities.

From Shenzhen to Shijiazhuang, we are the go-to partner for market research in China

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We help brands conduct market research in China so that they can thrive in this lucrative market. We can work with businesses as a fieldwork partner, helping them to reach the right respondents across China. We also run full-service market research projects, designed to help local brands and multi-nationals understand their customers and develop products, services and campaigns that cut through with Chinese consumers.

We’ve helped Dentsu Aegis understand the priorities of Chinese marketers and worked with the American Marketing Association to understand the future of marketing in the country – from both a consumer and a B2B perspective.

From our base in Shanghai, we’re able to cover the breadth and depth of China, spanning Tier 1 – 4 cities as well as rural areas.

15+

location-1 Years of Asian experience

25+

WI_global Years of global experience

5000+

chat Quantitative interviews each year

150+

puzzle Focus groups each year

500+

interaction In-depth interviews each year

FAQs

How diverse is Asia Pacific culturally?

The short answer is that Asia is incredibly rich and nuanced from a cultural standpoint: the multitude of religious beliefs, histories, languages, and other cultural markers means that each market is more different than similar. This can make Asia Pacific market research challenging without the right partner to help you understand the intricacies of each country. That said, though, the ‘urban Asia’ experience is similar to some extent, and popular culture does form the basis to link up a couple of the Asian markets, so there can be ways to seek out common threads amidst the vibrancy of difference.

Do I need to do all my market research in Asia in local / vernacular languages?

As a rule yes. By conducting research in the local language, consumers will have the capability and confidence to express their thoughts and feelings toward the brands, products or services in question. Unlike some market research agencies in Asia, Kadence has a range of languages in-house thanks to our network of Asian offices, so local language moderation is a service we can provide. That said, it is possible to carry out research in English in some markets (e.g. Singapore, India, Philippines), depending on the subject matter and education level of the respondents you want to reach.

For large Asian markets like China and India, how many cities do we need to cover with our research?

We recommend at least a combination of 1st tier and 2nd tier cities, as well as 3rd tier and rural locations, if possible. On top of getting a read on geographic and demographic differences in the reactions to your products and services, lifestyle / intra-market attitudinal variations exist, so the wider you are able to carry out your research, the more comprehensive your resulting understanding of the market will be.

Are there certain research approaches or methodologies that work better in one Asian market, compared to another?

Yes. Cultural differences between Asian markets mean that you need to carefully consider your methodology. For instance, we find that in-depth interviews, rather than group-based discussions, can work better for some topics in markets like Japan, where there can be a tendency to ‘self-censor’. In contrast, the one-on-one format lends itself better to building trust and establishing bonds between interviewer and respondent, often leading to more productive conversations. 

You’ll also need to consider the technological infrastructure of the markets you’re researching. In India, for instance, you’ll need to take a mobile first approach for reaching those outside metros and tier 1 cities. This is also true of mobile-first markets like Indonesia and China. Whilst cultural considerations can be diverse and numerous, we’re on hand to help, based on our long history of conducting market research in Asia.

Does the sequence of which markets I do my research first in Asia matter?

Unless there are specific roll-out plans that have strategic importance for your product or service across markets, our experience has taught us that any order comes back down to organizational preference. Your internal stakeholders may want to start the research in a market that is a stronghold for the brand to establish ground understanding, then venture into unfamiliar grounds to gather ‘new news’, or vice versa. Ultimately, Kadence is flexible in terms of how / when / where to start a piece of research, and in the absence of real preference, is willing to provide our suggestions and justifications for any arrangements.

FAQs

Why do I have to do research across multiple cities in China?
Besides economic reasons (i.e. Tier 1 cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are ‘wealthier’ than others), there are lifestyle / cultural / local language nuances that can have a bearing on how consumers live their lives / do business in these cities. Since products and services that have the strongest relevance in consumers’ lives generally do better, it’s important to ‘dig deep’ and understand how Chinese consumers differ. This will ensure that the launched product or service will have the greatest chance of success in the market at large, rather than only having a niche appeal in certain cities.
What are the advantages of making my online survey ‘mobile first’?
The mobile ecosystem in China is very advanced and the consistent use of ‘super apps’ by Chinese consumers in their daily lives means a ‘mobile first’ strategy will ensure a higher level of participation amongst respondents. Also, their familiarity with the mobile interface means that survey design / layout can benefit from thoughtful incorporation of interesting touchscreen features (e.g. swiping, pulling down, etc.), rather than relying on archaic interaction methods.
What are the best methodologies to use in China?
From our many years working in the region, we understand the best methodologies to use in China and those that should be avoided. For instance, CATI is a very inefficient way of carrying out quantitative studies, since the market is so huge whereas mobile surveys can be capitalized to greater effect. From a qualitative perspective, door-to-door tends to be ineffective, as interviewers may find themselves being rejected at the entrance of the gated communities common in China, whilst Chinese consumers are generally quite open to participate in other forms of qualitative research – such as online ethnography to offline shopalongs. Based on your objectives, we can work with you to select the best methodology to use, based on our extensive experience.

Sectors we serve

With over 25 years in the business of market research, we have extensive experience and a depth of knowledge across a range of sectors.

We bring this to bear to design the very best approach to meet your objectives.

Why Choose Kadence for Your Agriculture Market Research?

Choosing the right agency for agriculture market research goes beyond data collection—it’s about gaining deep insights that drive informed decisions and better business outcomes. Whether you’re exploring new farming techniques, refining your product offerings, or analysing market trends, Kadence delivers insights that help you stay ahead in the competitive agriculture sector.

With over 30 years of experience in market research, Kadence is a trusted name in the field. We understand the complexities of the agriculture sector, where market conditions, consumer demands, and environmental factors continually evolve. Our research is designed to provide actionable insights that matter to your business, ensuring you can confidently make decisions that drive growth.

You’ll work directly with experienced researchers who specialise in agriculture market research. We don’t just provide data; we work closely with you to ensure clarity, alignment, and strategic direction. From day one, we immerse ourselves in your business, understanding your goals and challenges, so you receive not just insights but clear, actionable recommendations.

Customised Research Approaches for Agriculture

At Kadence, we understand that the agriculture sector is dynamic and constantly evolving. Our approach to market research is designed to address the unique challenges of the industry, helping you stay ahead of trends and market demands. We focus on delivering actionable insights that provide a clear path forward for your business, no matter your research goals. These methods include:

Agriculture Market Research

Agriculture market research provides a comprehensive understanding of the trends, behaviours, and competitive landscape in the agricultural industry. Our research methodologies help you gain insights into market conditions, consumer preferences, and emerging opportunities. By leveraging this data, we help you make informed decisions that drive your business’s success in the agriculture sector.

Product Research for Agriculture

Knowing which products will resonate with your target audience is critical in agriculture. Our product research dives into consumer needs, preferences, and expectations, guiding you to optimise your product offerings, improve features, and increase sales. We help you determine what makes a product attractive to farmers, suppliers, and consumers, ensuring it stands out in a competitive market.

Market Research for Agriculture

Our market research for agriculture goes beyond just consumer insights. We provide a comprehensive analysis of market trends, environmental influences, and the competitive landscape. By understanding where the market is heading, you can make informed decisions about product development, pricing strategies, and marketing approaches, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve.

Consumer Behaviour Analysis in Agriculture

Understanding consumer behaviour is crucial for any agricultural business. We analyse how consumers make purchasing decisions, what drives their loyalty, and how external factors such as seasonality, economic conditions, and sustainability trends influence buying habits. This data helps shape product offerings, personalise marketing efforts, and improve customer retention strategies.

Competitor Analysis and Benchmarking

In a competitive agriculture market, understanding your competitors is key. Our research includes in-depth competitor analysis to help you assess your position in the market. We benchmark your performance against key competitors, identify gaps in your product offerings, and highlight areas where you can gain a competitive edge.

Supply Chain and Distribution Research

Understanding the complexities of the agricultural supply chain is critical for success. We conduct in-depth research into distribution networks, logistics, and supplier relationships to ensure that your products reach the market efficiently. By analysing supply chain performance, identifying bottlenecks, and assessing distribution strategies, we help you optimise your processes, reduce costs, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.

Ready to Make Smarter Decisions for Your Agriculture Business?

Request a quote today. Let us help you unlock new possibilities and guide your business with valuable agriculture market research insights. Whether it’s agriculture market research, product research for agriculture, or in-depth analysis of your industry, Kadence is here to support your goals.

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