Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, have been a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Recently, these vibrant red fruits have been experiencing a surge in popularity across the globe, particularly in countries like Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, and the ASEAN nations.
The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a leading goji berry producer in the Chinese mainland, has significantly boosted its exports. In the first four months of 2024 alone, Ningxia exported 1,331.2 tonnes of goji berries, marking a substantial 15.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Yinchuan Customs.
Ningxia's goji berries have consistently held the top spot in export volume and value within China. Ningxia Wolfberry Goji Industry, a prominent producer in the region, showcased this growth by exporting 14.5 tonnes of dried goji berries to the United States in June. The company's export value skyrocketed by 145.3% year on year, reaching 58 million yuan (approximately $8.15 million) in the first four months of the year, as reported by Wang Fei, the foreign trade manager.
Wang Fei highlighted the company's strategic investments in science and technology, leading to the development of new products such as goji berry juice, freeze-dried powder, and compound beverages. These innovations are expanding Ningxia's industrial chain and opening new overseas markets.
Renowned for their nutritional value, goji berries from Ningxia offer numerous health benefits, including liver protection, improved eyesight, and enhanced strength conservation. The region has also established a national research institute and a quality testing and inspection center, facilitating breakthroughs in quality improvement and deep processing.
With over 120 new goji berry products developed, including medicines, food items, drinks, and cosmetics, Ningxia has successfully exported to more than 50 countries and regions. In 2023, the region reported an annual industrial output of 29 billion yuan in the goji berry sector.
Tourism has played a pivotal role in adding value to Ningxia's goji berry industry, with visitors frequently purchasing goji berries as souvenirs. By the end of 2023, goji berry planting in Ningxia spanned approximately 21,667 hectares, yielding an annual fresh output of 320,000 tonnes. Looking ahead, Ningxia aims to increase its annual industrial goji berry output to 100 billion yuan by 2030, cementing its position as a global leader in the goji berry market.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
