Pineapples from Zhanjiang City's Xuwen in southern China have debuted at one of Europe's biggest agricultural events, as growers look to expand into overseas markets in Europe.
Producers from Xuwen County, in Guangdong province, showcased fresh pineapples and processed products at the 62nd International Agricultural Fair in Paris from February 21 to March 1.
Xuwen is one of China's main pineapple-producing areas, with about 23,333 hectares under cultivation and an annual output of around 700,000 tons, according to company representatives.
Pineapples were first introduced to the area in the 1920s by overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia. Xuwen's coastal climate and volcanic soil help produce fruit with a high natural sugar content and balanced acidity.
Local firms say they are now shifting from selling raw fruit to building a branded, export-focused industry. Plans include expanding juice, canned fruit and spirits production, improving cold-chain logistics and aligning with European quality standards.
France was chosen partly due to its strong food culture and its role as a gateway to the wider European market.
For growers in Xuwen, the Paris event marks more than a trade fair appearance. It signals an effort to move up the value chain — and to turn a century-old crop into a global brand.
Author | Huang Qini
Photo | Nanfang Plus
