China puts new apple varieties on international markets

The pilot work promotion meeting for the full chain development of new apple varieties cultivated in China was held on December 20 in Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi province in Northwest China.

At the meeting, Shaanxi Fruit Industry Center released the Countywide Pilot Work Plan for the Full Chain Development of New National Apple Varieties, while the Chunhua County People's Government released the Countywide Promotion Plan for a New National Apple Variety ‘Ruixue’ and launched China’s first regional public brand for the Ruixue apple.

Starting in 2025, Shaanxi will use Chunhua county in Xianyang city as a pilot to promote the large-scale cultivation of over 50,000 mu (3,333.33 hectares) of new domestically developed apple varieties, including Ruixue, Ruixianghong and Qincui. These varieties, independently bred by Northwest A&F University, will be introduced annually across key apple-growing counties in the province.

Through measures such as strengthening the seedling breeding system, optimizing industrial regional layout, and deepening the connection between production and sales, Shaanxi plans to cultivate new quality productive forces in the fruit industry and create about 10 demonstration counties with distinct links and countywide promotion. The aim is to chart a high-quality development path for the fruit industry and drive the overall transformation and upgrading of the entire apple industry’s production, processing and sales chain in the province.

Latest data shows that Shaanxi produces 27.4 percent of China's apples and contributes to 1/7 of the global apple supply, making it the largest apple-producing province in the country and a key player in the global apple industry.

Zhao Guangzhu said Shaanxi plans to pilot the development of new national apple varieties, targeting an expansion to 800,000 mu, a production of over 1.5 million tons, and a total industry chain value of 20 billion yuan ($2.74 billion) by 2030. The aim is to capture both domestic and international high-end fruit markets while strengthening the industry to boost farmers' income.

County governor Zhang Qiao said Chunhua will capitalize on its status as the first pilot county for the full-chain development of new national apple varieties. By scaling up production, enhancing quality, and building a strong brand, Chunhua aims to expand the Ruixue apple planting area to over 100,000 mu within five years. This initiative will focus on continuously growing both the domestic high-end market and international market, positioning Chunhua as a model for the transformation, upgrading, and high-quality development of Shaanxi's apple industry.

"The pilot project for the full chain development of new national apple varieties was launched in Shaanxi in response to the current industrial landscape,” said Ren Buxue, deputy director of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

"After thorough research and analysis of trends in the fruit industry, the project aims to address the issue of apple homogenization and intensifying competition. It seeks to accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading, while guiding and supporting major production areas in exploring new development paths tailored to local conditions."