China's avocado market is still largely dependent on imports. However, in recent years, avocados produced in Yunnan have been on the market one after another and the production has increased year by year, attracting a lot of market attention. In order to understand the current development of domestic avocados, FreshPlaza recently had an interview with Ms. Qi Jie and Mr. Qi Jiazhu, General Manager of Puer Green Silver Biological Co., Ltd.
"We are the first company in China to plant avocados. We launched a small number of products in 2017 and reached mass production in 2020. The avocado production area in Yunnan mainly locates in Menglian County, which is at 22° north latitude. It is conducive to the cultivation of avocados and has natural advantages. For example, judging from the main quality indicators of avocados, the dry matter content of avocados produced in Yunnan is greater than 30 degrees and the oil content reaches 20 degrees. Its taste is silky and delicate, and the quality is comparable to imported high-quality avocados. In addition to quality and taste, the biggest advantage of domestic avocados is that they are close to the sales destination, and it only takes three days to transport from the production area to major cities, so that consumers can taste fresher avocados."
"Avocados do not like too much rain during the flowering and young fruit period, but more rain is needed during the fruit expansion period. The dry season in Yunnan, with a dry spring and abundant rainfall after May, is particularly suitable for planting avocados. The rainy season came earlier this year, and it began to rain in late April. At that time, the avocados had already set fruit, and the abundant rain made them grow better. In addition, there was no rainfall for half a month in July this year, but the water shortage problem was solved through the local river and drip irrigation system. Now the avocado production season is still going on, and from the current point of view, the production is increasing year by year, and the quality is good." The two directors introduced the overall situation of avocados produced in Yunnan and the new production season.
The per capita consumption of avocados in the Chinese market is still relatively low. The planting of avocados is not easy, and the price fluctuates greatly. But the company still focuses on the avocado industry.
Mr. Qi talked about the reasons: "The avocado is a combination of grain, oil crop, fruit, and vegetable, which can help improve human health. This is the biggest reason why we plant avocados. At present, avocado cultivation is on the rise in Yunnan, and more and more companies are starting to plant. Internationally, avocado planting is accused of requiring a lot of water and damaging the environment. But Yunnan has abundant rainfall, and even if the rainfall is insufficient, the nearby rivers can provide water. The fallen leaves of avocados are also beneficial to the environment. Therefore, planting avocados in Yunnan is good for the environment."
In addition, Mr. Qi mentioned that avocados have not yet been popularized in China, and the eating experience is not good enough. It is generally difficult to judge the quality of avocados from their appearance. He hopes that in the future, imported and domestic avocados can form an alliance to jointly promote and popularize avocados, establish a unified quality system, and establish a special authoritative certification body.
"Currently, the domestic avocado production season is from mid-October to the end of March. Now we have developed early varieties which will be launched earlier in the future," Mr. Qi introduced.
Pu'er Greenbank Biological Co., Ltd. has more than 60,000 mu of avocado planting area and a post-harvest processing center with a capacity of 50,000 tons. The company uses "Greenbank Manor" as its brand and produces raw avocados and ready-to-eat avocados and other products. Its sales channels include wholesale markets, large fresh food supermarkets, and online e-commerce.
For more information:
Contact: Qi Jie
Pu'er Greenbank Biological Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 153 9139 8008
Email: 583835709@qq.com