While blueberry bushes in most of China are just beginning to bloom, early-ripening varieties are already being harvested in the southwestern province of Yunnan.

Farmers are currently harvesting and packaging the fresh berries, which are quickly marketed to markets throughout China and beyond. Originally from North America, blueberries have found a second home in China. Last year, the country's blueberry cultivation area exceeded 73.000 hectares, with a production of around 500.000 metric tons, making China one of the world's fastest-growing blueberry producers. Yunnan, with its ideal climate and long growing season, has established itself as a major production center, contributing around 30% of the national output.

Thanks to its unique geographical conditions, abundant sunlight, and significant temperature variations between day and night, Yunnan offers an optimal environment for blueberry cultivation. The province is home to 46 varieties of wild blueberries, more than half of China's total, making it one of the best production areas in the world.

Mengzi City in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is home to more than 2.300 hectares of blueberry greenhouses, generating over 3.000 billion yuan (US$418 million) in annual revenue and improving the income and livelihoods of more than 20.000 local farmers.

Last year, Min Hongwei established a 12-hectare blueberry plantation in Mile, another town in Honghe. “During peak harvest season, our workforce grows to more than 150 people, most of whom are local villagers. They can earn at least 150 yuan a day, and some earn as much as 300 yuan,” he said.

The blueberry boom in Yunnan has attracted more than 100 domestic and international companies to Honghe, creating jobs for more than 100.000 people.

According to the provincial agricultural department, Yunnan's blueberry cultivation area reached 16.660 hectares last year, with an output of 171.000 tons and an estimated industrial value of 17.000 billion yuan.

While Chinese blueberries were initially grown for domestic consumption, they are now making their mark on the international market. Chen Canling, sales manager of Anmei, an agricultural and technology company, said the company successfully entered the Malaysian market this year.

"To meet export standards, we have implemented precise management throughout the entire supply chain, from harvesting techniques to packaging and international logistics," Chen explained. "Our goal is to export 300 tons of blueberries this year."

Wang Rui, chairman of Fengji Agricultural Development Company, said, "Every four days, we fly two tons of blueberries to Dubai." He added that customers in Dubai can enjoy fresh Yunnan blueberries in about 40 hours.

"Since China first exported local blueberries to Russia in 2020, they have reached more than 10 countries and regions," said Li Yadong, a professor at Jilin Agricultural University.