China holds the position as the fifth largest pineapple producer globally. Guangdong, often referred to as the epitome of Chinese pineapple cultivation, boasts the largest pineapple production base in the country. Notably, Xuwen stands out as the leading pineapple-producing region nationwide, with a local saying proclaiming that "one out of every three pineapples in China comes from Xuwen," resonating across the province.
From February to May each year, fruit farmers in Guangdong are bustling with activity, meticulously hand-picking and packaging the golden, aromatic pineapples, which are then loaded onto trucks and dispatched to various parts of the nation. Recently, fresh pineapples from Xuwen, Guangdong have hit the market.
Local resident Mr. Zhang shared that Xuwen County has been harvesting and shipping an impressive 3 million kilograms of pineapples daily to destinations across the nation, particularly in Beijing and Shenyang. The purchase price at the source stands at ¥2.6/kg. "It's the peak season for pineapples now. You can spot farmers picking pineapples everywhere in the eastern towns of Xuwen County," he added.
As these pineapples debut on the market, they come with very reasonable prices. In local markets, pineapples are priced at ¥5-6/kg. Additionally, vendors offer peeling and cutting services, with peeled pineapples available for as low as ¥2/piece for smaller ones and ¥2.5/piece for slightly larger ones. The maximum selling price reaches ¥5/piece.
At a farmer's market in western Guangxi, one could find a deal of "3 fresh pineapples for ¥10." The vendor mentioned starting pineapple sales on February 15, and the fresh pineapples quickly gained popularity. These freshly launched pineapples, sourced from Xuwen, are early spring fruits. As the season progresses, more mature pineapples will enter the market in March, steadily increasing the supply.
Xuwen pineapple stands as a significant specialty fruit in Guangdong, serving as a pillar industry in the county. With a pineapple planting area spanning 23,333 hectares, Xuwen boasts an annual output of approximately 700,000 tons. This output exceeds one-third of the country's total, solidifying its status as the premier pineapple county in China.
Source: Southern Metropolis Daily, Zhanjiang Release, Yulin Evening News