The CoCreate platform in London was a complete success! Why was Alibaba holding this event in Europe for the first time?

From concept to product in minutes: How Alibaba's new AI agent is changing procurement forever

CoCreate 2025 is a major event that took place on November 14, 2025, at the InterContinental Hotel at the O2 Arena in London. It was the first European edition of this prestigious event, which had previously been held exclusively in Las Vegas. Alibaba.com, one of the world's leading e-commerce companies with annual sales exceeding US$100 billion, brought the event to the European continent for the first time.

The decision to bring CoCreate to Europe was no accident, but a strategic move. Europe faces significant economic challenges: rising costs, inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increasing competitive pressure are shaping the business landscape. At the same time, European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are demonstrating impressive resilience and are actively seeking innovative solutions to grow. Alibaba's own data shows that orders from European buyers on the platform increased by 57 percent year-over-year in 2025.

The event attracted over 3,500 participants from across Europe and offered a comprehensive program that went far beyond a traditional trade fair. It included keynote speeches from high-ranking executives such as Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, as well as prominent entrepreneurs and investors like Rio Ferdinand, Sara Davies from the BBC show Dragons Den, and Everette Taylor, CEO of the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.

Images from CoCreate 2025 in London

What is Accio and how does this AI platform work?

Accio is an AI-powered business-to-business procurement platform launched in November 2024, which bills itself as the world's first AI-native search engine for B2B sourcing. The platform has been trained on over 200 million industry-specific parameters, catalogs millions of suppliers worldwide, and covers more than 7,600 product categories.

The numbers behind Accio are impressive: As early as January 2025, just two months after its launch, Accio had already gained over 500,000 active users from small and medium-sized enterprises. By May 2025, this number had grown to over one million. By August 2025, the platform had surpassed the two million user mark.

The technological foundation is Alibaba's own language model, Qwen, which was trained with over 18 trillion tokens. This is complemented by the integration of other AI models such as DeepSeek and GPT-4o. The architecture is based on natural language processing, which allows users to ask complex queries in natural language instead of relying on keywords.

For example, a German medium-sized company can request: “Find me a supplier in Vietnam who can produce sustainable, organic T-shirts with a delivery time of three weeks and minimum order quantities of less than 500 pieces.” The AI ​​then searches the entire network of over one million verified suppliers and delivers relevant results within seconds.

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What specific functions does the Accio ecosystem offer?

The Accio ecosystem consists of three integrated components that together cover a complete procurement cycle.

Accio Search functions as an AI-powered B2B search engine with natural language processing. Unlike traditional search engines that rely on keyword matching, Accio Search understands the context and intent behind search queries. The system can perform multimodal searches, combining text and image information. A user can upload a photo of a product, and the AI ​​will find similar products or potential suppliers.

Accio Page functions like a dynamic Wikipedia for B2B products. Each product page contains verified information, detailed supplier profiles, and real-time retail data analytics. This solves a fundamental problem in B2B commerce: information overload coupled with uncertainty about data quality. Instead of spending hours researching suppliers and comparing product specifications, users get all the relevant information on a single, trusted page.

Accio Agent, launched in August 2025, marks the evolution from a tool to an autonomous AI system. This agent can automate up to 70 percent of the traditional procurement workflow. The user inputs a product concept, and the system generates a complete development plan with market insights, regulatory guidelines, and design specifications. Upon user approval, Accio Agent takes over the execution: real-time supplier due diligence, bulk requests for proposals, comparative analysis, and the delivery of a finalized, production-ready roadmap.

What is Alibaba.com AI Mode and when will it be available?

Alibaba.com AI Mode is a new feature officially unveiled at CoCreate 2025 in London that integrates agentic AI capabilities directly into the user experience. Its market launch is planned for December 2025.

AI Mode represents Alibaba's most significant step towards agentic, machine-driven sourcing. The feature builds on Alibaba's Deep Search, launched in September, which uses large language models to interpret complex product descriptions and enhance keyword searches.

Once activated, AI Mode will offer the following features: analysis of buyer inquiries, extraction of requirements from documents or drawings, and recommendation of suppliers that meet the buyer's specifications. The tool also integrates with the platform's payment systems, trade assurance protection, and after-sales services. This creates an automated path from product discovery to purchase.

Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, stated: “AI is no longer a complementary tool at Alibaba.com. It is evolving into the operating system of our platform.”

What economic impact has Accio already demonstrated?

Accio's economic impact is measurable and impressive. The Accio Inspiration feature has led to a 30 percent increase in the conversion rate from search to quote request. Payment conversion increased by 52 percent.

During the peak sales season in November and December 2024, over 50,000 small and medium-sized businesses worldwide used Accio to plan their inventory for Black Friday and Christmas. The Net Promoter Score is over 50, indicating exceptionally high customer satisfaction.

On December 13, 2024, Accio was chosen as the Product of the Day on Product Hunt, a platform for new technology products. This recognition underscores the platform's innovation and relevance.

For Alibaba.com as a whole, the figures show strong momentum: Alibaba International Digital Commerce recorded revenue growth of 22 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024. Although the unit is still operating at a loss, this decreased from RMB 4.1 billion in the previous year to RMB 3.6 billion. The company is on track to achieve overall profitability in fiscal year 2026.

Why is the language barrier so significant in global trade?

Language is one of the most fundamental challenges in global B2B commerce. Research shows that 76 percent of online shoppers prefer websites in their native language. 40 percent won't buy anything at all if content isn't available in their language.

In the B2B sector, these figures are even more critical, as they involve complex product specifications, legal agreements, and long-term business relationships. Language barriers lead to misunderstandings, incorrect orders, delayed deliveries, and, in the worst case, the loss of business partners.

The challenges facing internationally operating companies are manifold. According to Common Sense Advisory, manual translation costs can reach 8 to 12 percent of revenue. Multilingual content updates often take longer than 45 days. A Harvard Business Review survey shows that only 29 percent of companies are able to achieve synergy between multilingual content and GEO/SEO strategies.

The cost of a lack of localization is dramatic. A representative of a building materials company reported that after investing $300,000 in a 12-language website, organic Google traffic dropped by 58 percent within six months because the content wasn't kept up to date. Search queries were halved.

What is Marco MT and how does it differ from other translation tools?

Alibaba recognized this language challenge and introduced an updated AI translation tool called Marco MT in October 2024. The tool supports 15 languages: Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Japanese, French, English, Dutch, Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish, and Polish.

Unlike traditional translation tools, Marco MT is based on Large Language Models and uses contextual cues such as industry jargon and cultural differences to produce better translations. Its technological foundation is Alibaba's AI application Qwen, complemented by MOE techniques and extensive e-commerce data.

According to assessments by the FLORES benchmarking framework, Marco MT outperforms established competitors such as Google Translate, DeepL, and ChatGPT. Its BLEU score is 51.60 for translations into English and 47.70 for general usage.

Kaifu Zhang, Vice President of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group, reports that Marco MT can increase orders by up to 30 percent. In the first year after its launch, the tool gained half a million merchants as users.

Marco MT serves two main use cases: In cross-border e-commerce, it offers automated translation of product lists, customer service messages, and search terms. For general users, document translation is the primary focus.

What sessions and topics were covered at CoCreate 2025?

CoCreate 2025 offered a comprehensive program with over 25 keynotes and panel discussions focusing on the most pressing challenges facing European small and medium-sized enterprises.

The sessions covered four main topics. The first focused on cost reduction and building resilient supply chains. Strategies for securing reliable suppliers and logistics partners were presented. In times of geopolitical uncertainty and following the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain diversification is no longer an optional mitigation tool, but an existential necessity.

The second topic focused on using AI and digital tools for growth. Practical methods were presented for saving time, sourcing more intelligently, and increasing sales. Alibaba's own survey shows that 64 percent of procurement decision-makers in the US, UK, Germany, and France plan to integrate AI into their sourcing strategies by 2025.

The third thematic pillar dealt with cross-border expansion. It demonstrated how companies can expand into international markets while protecting their profit margins. The concept of “micro-multinationals” was presented: small companies that can effortlessly operate on a global scale.

The fourth topic addressed trends for success by 2026. Insights into upcoming industry changes and strategies for staying ahead were presented. It was particularly emphasized that 90 percent of European SMEs consider product innovation critical to their growth strategy.

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What is the CoCreate Pitch competition and what prizes were awarded?

A key structural element of CoCreate 2025 was the CoCreate Pitch, the final competition between 30 finalists for a combined prize of $400,000, which is part of a broader $1 million funding program.

The 30 finalists were selected from more than 25,000 startup applications from 150 countries. They pitched to a high-caliber jury of global investors in two separate categories: General Entrepreneurs and Athlete Entrepreneurs, the latter identified with the support of the International Olympic Committee.

The prize money structure signals a well-thought-out strategy for promoting entrepreneurship. In the European format, ten winners each received $20,000 in direct cash prize money plus $10,000 in credits and in-kind support. The Grand Prize Winner received $100,000 in cash prize money plus $100,000 in credits and support.

This structure not only incentivizes the creation of new companies but also their integration into the Alibaba.com ecosystem. By providing massive visibility to global investors and manufacturers, Alibaba creates a market mechanism that identifies and promotes high-potential entrepreneurs.

Which suppliers and products were presented at CoCreate 2025?

CoCreate 2025 brought together more than 30 leading Alibaba.com suppliers from around the world, showcasing nearly 1,500 best-selling products across more than 25 different industries. This was not simply a product showcase, but a carefully curated ecosystem for redefining the global sourcing landscape.

Visitors were able to take home more than 6,000 free samples to test products in their own operational context. This is a risk reduction method that can shorten traditional procurement processes by weeks or months.

The products presented represent Alibaba.com's extensive network of over 200,000 verified suppliers across 76 different industries, with access to over 200 million product offerings. These include suppliers who also produce for global retail giants such as Costco and Walmart.

The categories included areas such as skincare and cosmetics, gift items, consumer electronics, sustainable products, and wellness products. These trends reflect the fastest-growing product categories procured by European SMEs in February 2025.

What is Trade Assurance and how does it protect buyers on Alibaba.com?

Trade Assurance is a free service from Alibaba.com that protects buyers by ensuring secure payments and product quality to the buyer's satisfaction.

The system functions as an escrow service. When an order is placed, payment is held securely and only released to the supplier after the product has been received and confirmed. If something goes wrong, such as a shipping delay or a product that doesn't match the description, Trade Assurance offers support.

Trade Assurance comprises a portfolio of services designed to create a secure and seamless sales experience. Key features include: payment security through transaction processing and holding funds in escrow, real-time order status tracking via the platform, support to guarantee quality standards for products and services, and rapid problem resolution.

Supported payment methods include credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Afterpay/Clearpay, and escrow-protected bank-to-bank transfers. This variety gives buyers flexibility while keeping their funds secure.

Trade assurance is particularly valuable for European SMEs, as it fosters confidence in cross-border transactions. The fact that 57 percent of European orders increased year-on-year suggests that such safeguards increase the willingness to procure internationally.

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What role does multilingual content play in the success of B2B e-commerce?

Multilingual solutions are crucial in the B2B sector. Studies show that 65 percent of consumers want to read content in their own language. In the B2B context, where purchasing decisions are more complex and involve larger sums of money, this percentage is even higher.

Google data shows that 68 percent of B2B buyers initiate their purchasing process via search engines. Those who aren't present in the buyer's language at these critical moments risk losing potential customers to competitors.

B2B marketplaces play a transformative role in breaking down language barriers. By using AI-powered real-time translations, multilingual chat and messaging systems, and localized user experiences, these platforms are democratizing global trade, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

This explains the strategic importance of the partnership between Alibaba and Xpert.Digital. Xpert.Digital's 23-language infrastructure makes it possible not only to translate content but also to localize it. Localization means adapting to the cultural norms, values, and sensitivities of the target market.

In a world where language barriers are increasingly overcome by AI, the ability to produce high-quality, culturally appropriate content in many languages ​​is becoming a crucial competitive advantage.

How will the B2B e-commerce landscape change by 2025?

CoCreate 2025 is taking place in a context of enormous B2B e-commerce transformation. Gartner predicts that by the end of 2025, around 80 percent of all B2B transactions will take place online, a dramatic increase from the current 30 percent. This is a structural shift driven by technological enablement and changing business expectations.

The trend toward the consumerization of B2B e-commerce is central to this. 73 percent of B2B buyers prefer online retail due to its efficiency and reliability. Even more significant is that 75 percent of B2B customers state they would switch suppliers if the new supplier offered a better online buying experience. This means that digital competence and user experience are now a core competitive factor in the B2B sector, not a secondary competency.

By 2025, AI-powered personalization will be a key B2B e-commerce trend. 66 percent of B2B buyers expect a fully personalized experience when purchasing products, 57 percent want personalization when searching for products, and 72 percent when using the product or software. This places demands on platforms that go far beyond traditional catalog management.

Alibaba's research shows that 63 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide want to use AI tools for cross-border trade. This demand is being met by offerings like Accio Agent, which are not just reactive tools, but proactive partners in the business process.

Why has supply chain resilience become so important for European companies?

A subtle but critically important context for CoCreate 2025 is the resilience transformation of supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions have established a new standard understanding: supply chains must be not only cost-efficient but also resilient to crises.

This means that companies can no longer rely on single-source or duopoly-like supplier structures. Supply chain diversification is not merely a mitigation tool, but can lead to genuine strategic advantages if orchestrated correctly.

A company that works with 200,000 verified supplier options can not only react to crises but also proactively explore different geographic, technological, and pricing strategies. Transparency and accessibility of supplier data thus become strategic assets.

Supply chain and logistics experts emphasize that the shift from silos to holistic approaches is crucial. Modern technologies can combine data from various areas to enable a comprehensive view of the supply chain.

For European SMEs, diversifying supplier sources has become critically important. Alibaba's survey shows that 57 percent of UK SMEs plan to switch suppliers by 2025, instead using digital procurement channels and B2B marketplaces to drive growth.

What specific synergies result from the partnership between Accio and Xpert.Digital?

The synergy potential between Accio and Xpert.Digital manifests itself on several levels.

At the content level, Xpert.Digital can act as a multiplier for Accio-related content. Articles on successful procurement strategies using Accio, case studies of German SMEs that have found new suppliers through the platform, or analyses of trends in B2B e-commerce can be published in 23 languages ​​and distributed via established channels. This creates awareness and trust in markets that Alibaba would otherwise have difficulty reaching.

On a technical level, Xpert.Digital's GEO/SEO expertise and multilingual optimization strategies can help Accio content rank higher in local search results. A French entrepreneur looking for sustainable sourcing solutions will find a French-optimized article about Accio on Xpert.Digital, introducing the platform and motivating him to register.

At the business development level, Xpert.Digital can serve as a bridge between European companies and the Alibaba ecosystem. Konrad Wolfenstein and his team have many years of experience advising companies on digital transformation processes. They can act as trusted advisors, explaining the advantages of Accio to European SMEs, supporting them during the onboarding phase, and sharing best practices.

This type of localized support is particularly valuable for German companies, which are often skeptical of American or Chinese platforms. The partnership signals that local expertise and global platforms do not compete against each other, but rather work synergistically.

How will CoCreate 2025 influence the future of global B2B trade?

CoCreate 2025 in London was more than just an industry event. It marks a turning point where the future of global B2B commerce becomes tangible.

The event demonstrates the convergence of several transformative forces: the ongoing digitization of B2B commerce, the increasing importance of AI in everyday business, the shifting of global supply chains, and the renaissance of entrepreneurship.

The global B2B e-commerce market will reach a volume of US$35.3 trillion by 2027, with an average annual growth rate of 17.8 percent between 2023 and 2027. This is not a linear continuation of previous trends, but a fundamental shift in business practices.

For the 3,500 participants, the 30 pitch finalists, and the millions of companies that can potentially benefit from Accio, CoCreate 2025 is an invitation to become part of this transformation. For Xpert.Digital, it is confirmation that the investment in a multilingual, AI-powered content infrastructure was not only visionary but also a business necessity.

The longer-term vision extends beyond mere transaction platforms. Alibaba positions Accio as an AI-native infrastructure for the global commerce of the future. In this vision, AI agents will routinely handle complex business processes, from product development and supplier sourcing to contract negotiation. Human actors will focus on strategic decision-making, creativity, and relationship management, while repetitive, data-intensive tasks will be automated.

Companies that intelligently collaborate with multiple partners, leverage local expertise, and maintain their own digital sovereignty will be the most successful. In this context, the partnership between global technology platforms like Alibaba and local content and knowledge partners like Xpert.Digital is a promising model for the future of international trade.

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