A refrigerated container carrying 30 tons of Yellow River Estuary winter jujubes recently departed from a planting base in Dali County, Shaanxi Province, bound for European and North American markets. The industrial collaboration along the Yellow River, stretching from Lijin County of Dongying at the Yellow River Estuary to Dali County in its upper reaches, is now yielding sweet economic returns.

High-quality winter jujube germplasm originating from Dongying’s Yellow River Estuary have been introduced to upstream production areas, where planting bases and sorting centers have been established. The model has significantly improved export efficiency and shortened supply chains.

“We sold around 5,000 tons of winter jujubes last year, and our goal is to exceed 25,000 tons in domestic and overseas sales this year,” said a representative of the Yellow River Estuary winter jujube industry in Lijin, Dongying. “More shipments will depart over the next two days, allowing jujubes from the Dali production base to continue reaching international markets.” With their standardized production and large-scale supply, the crisp and sweet jujubes from Dongying are making their way onto consumers’ tables overseas.

In recent years, the Yellow River Estuary winter jujube industry has aligned itself with international fruit quality standards and worked with research institutions to improve every stage of production, from cultivation and management to post-harvest sorting. Technological innovation has enhanced both the flavor and appearance of the fruit. With more uniform shapes, stable sweetness and lasting crispness, the jujubes have gained recognition in global markets.

Looking ahead, the industry will continue to deepen its development along the Yellow River industrial belt, improving the entire supply chain covering cultivation, sorting, packaging and cold-chain exports. More high-quality agricultural products from the Yellow River Basin will reach global consumers, sharing the crisp and sweet flavor of China’s Yellow River region with the world.