"In recent years, fresh table mulberries have seen rising sales in supermarkets, and tea shops have introduced mulberry-based drinks. Rich in anthocyanins, mulberries align well with consumers' increasing focus on health, fueling their market appeal."Ms. Zhou from Shenzhen Yizhiyi Agriculture said.
Ms. Zhou notes that mulberries have been available in small quantities since mid-October, with the production season lasting until mid-June. Key production regions include Guangdong, Sichuan, and Zhejiang, with Xi'an now joining, potentially extending the season until August in select cities. "After years of cultivation, mulberry production is largely stable, and this season's yield and quality are on par with previous years," she added.
Yizhiyi Agriculture has strengthened partnerships with major supermarkets, reporting increased demand. "One of our clients raised their mulberry orders by 20% last year, and we're prioritizing mulberries across our nationwide supply chain. Other clients have also seen growth in mulberry sales," Ms. Zhou noted.
Explaining mulberries' appeal, Ms. Zhou stated, "Retailers are seeking unique products that stand out. Mulberries, with their soft texture, sweet taste, and high nutritional value, differentiate themselves from mass-market fruits. Mulberries appeal to a wide age range, can be eaten fresh or brewed as tea, and are affordably priced. They offer traders strong profit margins."
Quality concerns for mulberries often focus on mold and pesticide residue, Ms. Zhou explains. "Mulberry cultivation is well-developed, but challenges remain in post-harvest storage, transportation, and in-store handling. Mulberries are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so cold-chain logistics and consistent temperatures are essential. Though the industry has improved pesticide controls, issues occasionally arise, making origin management critical. Our own mulberry farms are rigorously managed, and we conduct random inspections to ensure safety at partner sites."
Mulberry fresh-keeping packaging of different specifications
To address mold risk, Yizhiyi has introduced advanced packaging solutions. "Our new 'Active Fresh-keeping Box' line is a safe, effective, and eco-friendly packaging solution that reduces mold throughout the cold chain. This year, we've expanded our offerings to include 250g and custom gift boxes in addition to the standard 125g and 200g packages to suit diverse customer needs."
Yizhiyi Agriculture's core products are bayberry, mulberry, and wolfberry, with other offerings including strawberries, citrus, melons, and grapes.