Swedish luxury brand Hästens, a handcrafted bed maker, has returned to the sixth China International Import Expo in the consumer goods exhibition area, showcasing its flagship bedding products, the 2000T and "Wake up" series.

Hästens, which means "horse" in Swedish, originally started as a manufacturer of harness products. However, with the decline in demand for horse riding due to the popularity of automobiles, Hästens shifted its focus to the bedding industry.

The 2000T and "Wake up" series are made primarily with horsehair, along with natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, and pine wood.

Liang Liang, general manager of Hästens Asia-Pacific, said the 2000T consists of 37 layers and is crafted using thin horsehair and a manual layering technique, which allows for greater adjustability and breathability within the cotton and wool layers, resulting in a softer and more comfortable mattress.

The “Wake up” series includes three products: Herlewing, Eala, and Maranga. They feature a classic blue and white checkered design, with improved details using traditional layered weaving techniques. The mattresses also incorporate a double-layered spring system, reinforced with linen at the corners, to ensure a stable bed structure and better sleep.

This is not Hästens' first time participating in the CIIE. In the fourth CIIE in 2021, it showcased its flagship product Grand Vividus, and gained recognition. The brand also expanded its reach and established partnerships via the CIIE platform.

"Expanding into the Chinese market is a crucial part of Hästens' global development strategy, and participating in the CIIE is an important way to achieve this goal," Liang said, adding for Hästens, the CIIE is an invaluable international stage to explore opportunities in the sleep industry in China.

As the world's first import-themed expo, the CIIE brings together major global brands and has become a platform for showcasing high-quality products and industry trends. Over the past two years, Hästens has transformed its distribution channels, industry perception, product experience, and display methods, while maintaining confidence in the CIIE and the Chinese market.

With the support of the CIIE, Hästens is well-prepared to embrace new opportunities in healthcare consumption. "By participating in the CIIE for the second time, we hope to use this larger and broader platform to showcase our brand and products, promote green and sustainable development, allow more people to see and understand Hästens, and further expand our market and achieve mutual success with China," said Liang.

By Cao Desheng

Liu Cong from chinadaily.com.cn contributed to this story.