Yunnan Blueberries: From Local Farms to Global Markets
Yunnan is one of the world's most important blueberry growing regions because of its unique climate, such as dramatic temperature fluctuations, long-lasting sunshine and fertile soil. In 2024 alone, more than 100 domestic and international blueberry companies are operating here, contributing to a boom in local blueberry production. The production reached 171,000 tons, accounting for 30 percent of China's total production (CCTV,2025). Yunnan's early-maturing varieties, such as the fragrant 'Flower Blueberry', dominate markets from Beijing to Kuala Lumpur, and their extra large berries (18-24 millimeters in diameter) are expensive (Tencent News, 2024).
Exports are equally impressive. 1,425 tons of blueberries were exported from the customs-supervised city of Mengzi in Yunnan province alone in 2024, a 25 percent increase year-on-year, and accounting for more than 50 percent of China's total blueberry exports(CCTV,2025). As a result, blueberry exports have been growing at an average annual rate of 1.5 percent per year, up from 1.5 percent in 2010. These blueberries, which are refrigerated to 0°C within hours of picking, are now a highlight on the shelves in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. By February 2025, exports had reached 246 tons, a 130% increase over the previous year, underscoring Yunnan's position as a global supplier(CCTV,2025).
Innovation and Sustainability: At the Heart of Yunnan's Agricultural Revolution
The success of the blueberry industry in Yunnan Province is not only attributed to its favorable natural conditions, but also depends on advanced planting techniques and innovative management models.
In Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province, a 4,000-acre digital farm has become a model of modern agricultural technology(Tencent News, 2024). This farm has achieved smart irrigation and climate regulation through an Internet system, significantly improve the production efficiency and resource utilization. For instance, farmer can monitor soil moisture, temperature, and light intensity in real time and transmit the data to the central control system. The system automatically adjusts the irrigation volume and frequency based on these data to ensure that every blueberry can enjoy the optimal growing environment. This highly automated management model enables one person to manage 25 acres of land easily, significantly reducing labor costs while also improving yield and quality(Tencent News, 2024).
Meanwhile, the "622 Model" implemented in Honghe City has revitalized the rural economy. The core of this model is the profit distribution structure: farmers receive 60% of the total income, while the cooperative and the enterprise each account for 20% (Tencent News, 2024). This allocation ensures that farmers' interests are protected while motivating cooperatives and enterprises, fostering a mutually beneficial arrangement. Through this model, the "622 Model" has transformed traditional rural livelihoods, empowering farmers to transition from mere laborers into stakeholders who share in the benefits, thereby increasing their engagement and innovation in agricultural activities.
Take Mengzi City as an example. With the support of the "622 Model", there are over 500 blueberry family farms developed under the "622" mechanism, providing more than 2,000 job opportunities. The total planting area of blueberries in the city has reached 35,000 mu, with a total output value exceeding 3 billion yuan. This has enabled more than 20,000 villagers to increase their income (Tencent News, 2024).
The success of Yunnan's blueberry industry is the outcome of collaborative efforts across various dimensions. Whether through the technological advancements of digital farms or the innovative profit-sharing mechanisms of the "622 Model," these initiatives have paved a viable path toward agricultural modernization in the region.
In this industry context, the IFEX China- Kunming International Flowers and Plants Expo (shorted as IFEX China) is of great significance. As an important event in the flower industry, IFEX China brings together high - quality flower enterprises, cutting - edge flower cultivation technologies, and innovative flower products. Here, industry insiders can communicate face - to - face with global flower suppliers, establish broader cooperative relationships, understand the latest industry trends, and grasp the market development direction. They can also admire various rare flowers and gain creative inspiration. Whether you are a flower cultivation enterprise, a distributor, a scientific researcher in the flower industry, or a flower art enthusiast, you can gain a lot from the IFEX China - Kunming International Flowers and Plants Expo.
September 19-21, 2025, Kunming, China, we sincerely invite all flower industry insiders to actively participate in the IFEX China- Kunming International Flowers and Plants Expo!
For more information about visiting or exhibiting, please contact [email protected], +86-10-5933 9349.
Source:
1. "云南蓝莓产业崛起：从地方特产到全球市场" [Yunnan Blueberry Industry Rise: From Local Specialty to Global Market], Tencent News, March 14, 2024. https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20250314A02HO800
2. "云南蓝莓：科技创新助力农业现代化" [Yunnan Blueberries: Tech Innovation Drives Agricultural Modernization], CCTV News, March 31, 2025. https://news.cctv.com/2025/03/31/ARTIOcVELxhBeuZ0Pc4i6LTw250331.shtml