BEIJING, May 29 -- The third International Organic Trade Fair and Conference began Wednesday in Shanghai. It's the biggest fair of its kind so far in China with some 1,000 items on offer, including scented tea, honey and olive oil.

    Also available are organic vegetables, fruit and rice from Germany, the United States, Italy and South Africa.

    German businessman Wolfgang Schott brought nearly 20 varieties of organic fruit tea, most of which are in China for the first time.

    "Although the organic food market in China is just getting started, we believe there will be rising demand for organic, healthy food from Chinese consumers. The Chinese organic market will get bigger and better," said Wolfgang Schott, a German businessman.

    Some organic items are edible, but are not meant to eat. "Organic fabric shoes" are one example. They look like traditional cloth shoes, but they are made from ramie and a loofah sponge.

    "The sole is made from an edible loofah. The natural loofah sponge can absorb sweat and odor and massage the foot," said Huang Wenjiang, a businessman.

    The three-day fair has drawn 238 companies from 11 countries and districts.

    Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shanghai.