UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s intends to sell twice the number of products it currently sells in China as it expands a trial with Alibaba's Tmall online marketplace.

It aims to sell 100 products such as tea bags, pasta, olive oil and coffee, reported The Guardian.

Sainsbury’s chief financial officer John Rogers was quoted by the publication as saying: “Chinese online shoppers are increasingly demanding high-quality international products. Many customers also want to replicate tastes and occasions that they have enjoyed or heard about through international travel.

"Many customers also want to replicate tastes and occasions that they have enjoyed or heard about through international travel."

“Products to make a British breakfast and English afternoon tea have therefore proved hits and top-selling lines to date include Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference granola with raisins, honey and nuts, tea, shortbread and UHT milk.”

It intends to include more ranges later this year.

According to Royal Mail, China is the biggest consumer of UK products bought online, representing 25% of international online shoppers.

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Sainsbury’s began selling products on Tmall last September.

In the UK, supernmarket chains are exploring options to access overseas markets as they are being challenged by discount retailers.