Mashan Red Bayberry [Photo/wxrb.com]
Mashan Red Bayberry was approved by the country's agricultural department as an Agro-product Geographical Indications product in May, according to officials.
It is the fourth Agro-product Geographical Indications product in Wuxi, following Yixing Yangxian Xue Ya Tea, Yangshan Honey Peach and Wuxi Hao Tea.
Surrounded by Taihu Lake on three sides, Mashan town is an ideal place to plant quality red bayberries, with ample sunshine and abundant rainfall. Mashan's red bayberries were introduced from Cixi in Zhejiang province and have been developed into a local trademark known for their sweet taste.
Mashan's red bayberries are expected to hit the market in about 10 days. All the berries will be picked within the next 20 days in order to ensure the highest quality possible.
"I received orders of 50 boxes of red bayberries as soon as I announced that they had been designated as Agro-product Geographical Indications product online," said Hang Mingfeng, a 50-year-old farmer in Mashan town.
The national title plays an important role for local agricultural products in finding new markets, according to Lu Yulin, a peach farmer in Yangshan.
After receiving the national title in 2014, Lu and other peach farmers cooperated with e-commerce platforms such as Hema Fresh, a food chain backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. In 2019, Yangshan Honey Peaches were even licensed to enter the international market.
In order to promote the fruit brand and ensure quality, the Mashan Red Bayberry Association has called for all farmers to standardize production and develop additional products such as red bayberry juice and wine.
