Several regions in the south of China produced fewer grapes because of the cold weather this summer. The early-season black grape market in Yunnan reacted well to this. In Shanghai and the surrounding regions, black and red grapes are going on sale. From July onward, the green grapes in the north will start to turn red and go on the market as well.
Current situation on grape cultivation area. The grapes are ripe mid July.
The grapes of the Wandi company are cultivated on a larger scale than those of other cultivation grounds. The cultivation surface with grapes for eating covers 13 hectares. With inclusion of wine grape cultivation area, the total surface is 67 hectares. All of the cultivation is organic. "We started using the grape orchards in 2010, but the requirements for organic cultivation weren't met because of the bad soil quality. We brought in a Japanese grape soil expert, Mr. Tomio Shimura. We started to cultivate the land by choosing an irrigation water source. Then we brought in a Japanese grape variety. The Japanese specialist flies over to Laiyang every month to guide us and ensure the grape quality," explains Mrs. Zhang.
The Wandi company was founded in 2011 in Laiyang near Yantai city to cultivate grapes. Because the cultivation of grapes is more complicated than that of apples or oranges, a large workforce is required. The Wandi company started by investing in 13 hectares for meticulous cultivation. "We harvested our first grapes for eating in 2015. The production volume was small, but it entirely went to the Southern high-end market. This year, we started online sales in Canton. Starting delivery from in the same city, we deliver the grapes directly into the hands of the consumer," says Mrs. Zhang.
"We believe that this is a transformative period in Chinese agriculture. 'Large quantity-low quality' products aren't received well on the market. That's why we invested in organic grapes and used quality to attract consumers. It may require a hefty investment, but we believe the market prospects are promising. We currently cultivate some ten varieties. When the production volume stabilises, we will apply for export credit," adds Mrs Zhang.
For more information:
Mrs. Zhang Jun
Telephone:(+86) 0535-7760666 / (+86) 151 9262 9166
Email: 1394060462@qq.com