Waxberry, also known as yangmei, primarily cultivated in China, is making strides in reaching international consumers. The cultivation of waxberry trees in China accounts for approximately 98 percent of the worldwide production, with the eastern province of Zhejiang producing 60 percent of the country's yield. This fruit, thriving in the subtropical climate of eastern and southeastern regions, offers a distinctive taste profile that blends sweet and sour notes, alongside being a rich source of vitamin C and dietary fibre. Despite its domestic popularity, especially in the early summer, waxberry's highly perishable nature has historically posed challenges for export.
Recent efforts, however, have begun to mitigate these challenges. In 2023, Qingtian County, a leading waxberry production area in Zhejiang, reported exporting over 20 tonnes of waxberries, with expectations to double this figure. Following the inaugural shipment of 1.35 tonnes to Madrid, Spain, on June 10, the county has established a routine of dispatching waxberries four times weekly to various international destinations, including the UK, France, and Singapore.
These developments have been facilitated by the efforts of local trading companies, spearheaded by individuals such as Xia Xiaoqing, who have been instrumental in expanding Qingtian waxberries' global footprint.
Source: news.cgtn.com