China’s apple production has peaked in recent years, but processing and post-harvest have not managed to keep up the speed of development. The market over the last year is marked by high volumes and low prices. According to Mr Shao of the China Haisheng Fresh Fruit Juice Group, there are a number of changes that would greatly benefit the industry. The Haisheng Group is an apple and apple juice producer from Shaanxi province. The company owns 2,000 hectares of apple orchards. It exports 25% of its products.
“We have redesigned our orchard to be able to boost productivity. We grow our own seedlings and rootstocks, which we plant in our orchards. The rootstocks are virtually identical, and boost early blooming, early harvest and higher yields. The trunk of the trees is lower strong,” Mr Shao of China Haisheng Fresh Fruit Juice.
Haisheng apple tree orchard
“The entire irrigation process is done mechanically and fertilisation is automised. By introducing these methods we managed to save 60% of used water, 70% of chemicals and 90% of labour. On average, we produce 5,000 kg of apples on 20% of the acreage that we used to need in the past. In addition, our lower rootstock trees deliver an early harvest. Planting low rootstock trees comes with specific challenges. For example, the trees need constant watering because the root system is shallow. When you go down to details, there is a lot to pay attention to.”
Post-harvest sorting line
Haisheng agricultural machines
“In the past we have faced a couple of major challenges, including hail storms and other natural disasters. We lost dozens of hectares in the blink of an eye. In addition, investment period and ramping up to full production takes time. It takes three to four years before the trees start to bear larger fruit crops. This makes return on investment slow. After the orchard is fully grown, it does not require a lot of manpower: 2 to 5 people per every 60 hectare. Howver, in the earlier stages of cultivation, such as growing of seedlings, planting, installing water and fertiliser systems, requires much higher investment."
New Zealand Mitchla Apples
"For example, Mitchla Apples is an apple variety that we have adopted and startig to grow with our techniques. It was originally produced in New Zealand. Even though it's a small size fruit, they are ripe early with a fresh, sweet taste and lots of juice. They are most recognisable by there red-orange to yellow appearance. As a result, the variety was invited at that time by the protocol department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During a ceremony in 2015, they gave it to the head of state of every country. Now it is welcomed with enthusiasm on the market."
Haisheng group
Haisheng group was founded in 1996 as a company for concentrated apple juice. Right now it is the largest producer and exporter of concentrated apple juice. The company has 10 factories, strategically located in 6 provinces. With a fruit processing capacity of 2.8 million ton per year, production includes concentrated apple juice, pear juice, sweet potato juice, strawberry juice and other concentrated juice products, as well as condiments and pectine products. The company has its own juice brand and fruit spirit brand products. With an online sales platform, the company is present in more than 30 countries and has arranged tactical cooperation with other leading figures in the industry, such as Pepsi, Procter & Gamble and Kraft. From 2011 onward, Haisheng has focused on a top level resources supply chain to advance the Chinese modern agriculture. It established the first standardised production method using concentrated dwarf trees. Thereby it toppled the traditional vigorous rootstock cultivation method and advanced the traditional agriculture together with the common development of hundreds of thousands of farmers. The Haisheng group is now mainly divided in farming and processing. It has more than 70 cultivation bases all over China. Products include apples, oranges, berries and vegetables.
Mr. Shao
China Haisheng Fresh Fruit Juice Co., Ltd
Telephone: +86 18629321713
China Haisheng Fresh Fruit Juice Co., Ltd
Telephone: +86 18629321713