In the summertime, peaches become a prominent feature at fruit stalls, in milk tea shops combined with oolong tea, and as a preferred ingredient in shaved ice desserts.
Originating from China, where they have been consumed for approximately 4,000 years, peaches see China leading globally in terms of cultivation area and production. Among these areas, Fenghua district in Ningbo city, Zhejiang Province, stands out for its peach cultivation.
With a history spanning over 800 years, Fenghua offers an optimal environment for peach cultivation, currently growing more than 30 varieties over an area of 35,000 mu (about 2,333 hectares). This results in a production of roughly 60,000 tonnes, contributing over 1 billion yuan (about $170 million) to the industrial chain's overall output value.
The district's warm and humid climate is ideal for peach growth, yielding fruit with a distinctive sweetness. "The peach skin is typically green, with a red blush where the sunlight hits. Some peaches may have uneven coloration due to varying sunlight exposure, and there may be natural peach spots on the surface. However, the taste remains authentic," explained a peach brand representative in Fenghua.
Emphasizing post-production management, Fenghua has adopted the first advanced peach sorting system in China, focusing on precise ripeness control, efficient logistics, and temperature regulation during transportation.
Recently, Fenghua exported 600 boxes of peaches to Dubai, with each box containing four peaches priced at 79.9 dirhams, about 40 yuan per peach. "This instance of exporting peaches presents an opportunity to broaden our international sales channels. We must guarantee impeccable product quality and establish a foothold for Fenghua peaches in global markets," a staff member from the exporting company mentioned.
Lin Yongjie, Party chief of Linjiacun village in Fenghua, highlighted the economic impact of peach sales on the local community, stating, "Peaches are the key to prosperity in our village. Many villagers rely on peach sales to build new homes and send their children to college." The peach blossom season also attracted nearly 300,000 tourists to a renowned orchard in the village.
Having penetrated markets in Singapore and the Netherlands, the recent shipment to Dubai represents a further expansion for Fenghua peaches. The people of Fenghua aim to distribute their peaches globally, reaching every corner of the world.
Source: People's Daily