Rapid rise of blueberry cultivation in China

Rapid increase in blueberry cultivation in China

19/11/2015

«Blueberries are little by little becoming a more in-demand fruit in China. Four or five years ago, when blueberries first started to catch people's attention, they were sold for more than 150 yuan per 500 grams. As a result, farmers were eager to grow them. In our region in Shandong province, the total blueberry production area has increased by at least 50% compared to two years ago. "The majority of Chinese blueberries are planted and grown in this province.", explains Lili Chen, from Likoucun Blueberry Cooperative, in Zaozhuang, Shandong Province.

«Most of the producers in Shandong plant the same variety of blueberry, because they do not want to take any risk by jeopardizing their sales; They want to sell a crop that buyers are familiar with. Blueberries require advanced cold chain and storage facilities, which cannot be found in China. The fruit perishes quickly and must be sold in a short period of time. Therefore, Shandong farmers prefer to sell blueberries to nearby buyers. Because blueberry production has increased and because the market is relatively centralized, market prices are lower than last year. Even so, I am satisfied with the season, since our production has been high this year.".

«In addition to our own harvest, we also purchase blueberries from other local farmers. Our advantage is that our orchard is very close to Lake Yun. The soil is soft and of good quality, which makes cultivation easier. Every year, our harvest starts in June, earlier than other regions in China. As a result, our blueberries sell at a good price in June and until early July.".

«This year we have planted 100 hectares of blueberries, with a total production of 500 tons. Prices are around 25 yuan per 500 grams and although they are lower than in previous seasons, we manage to make a profit. We currently do not want to expand our business abroad. "We are starting to realize that our local market is becoming saturated, so we are focusing on finding more business partners and wholesalers in other parts of China.".

Source: Freshplaza.es