Chentuan town in Rizhao, Shandong province, has transitioned from a mining hub to the province's largest blueberry production base. The town's blueberry plantations, spread over 1,660 hectares, yielded 8,000 tons of fresh berries last year, making up 30% of Shandong's total output, according to the township government.
Blueberry production and consumption in China have increased significantly in recent years. Last year, China outpaced the United States to become the world's largest blueberry producer, with main production areas in Guizhou, Liaoning, Shandong, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces. The International Blueberry Organization anticipates further growth in the blueberry market. China also leads globally in blueberry imports, with a 45% year-on-year increase in 2021.
With improved living standards and awareness of the health benefits of diverse fruits, Chinese consumers, particularly those aged 18 to 35, are consuming more blueberries. "Chinese consumers prefer larger blueberries with relatively higher brix levels and longer shelf-life," says Yao Ming, deputy manager of Yuhai Agricultural Tourism Co Ltd. This preference has led to the cultivation of new blueberry varieties tailored to the domestic market.
Chentuan is enhancing its research and development capabilities to promote high-quality blueberry development, from seedling cultivation to production.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn