Dalian Yidu and JD Fresh to Distribute the First Shipment of Mexican Blueberries in China

The first shipment of Mexican blueberries arrives in China after a long series of bilateral protocols and procedures were accomplished between The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) and The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) of Mexico. On June 9, AQSIQ added Mexican blueberries to the official import list for approved fruits and regions. Carlos Aldeco, SAGAPRA’s Agriculture Minister Counselor to China, told Produce Report, “Mexico is the fourth blueberry exporting country to gain access to Chinese markets following Chile, Canada, and Peru. Mexico is also the fifth largest berry producer in the world. Presently, Mexican is the only country whose blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are approved for Chinese import.”

The only Mexican enterprise approved for blueberry export to China, Berries Paradise, was previously released on AQSIQ’s website. Berries Paradise’s blueberry operations in Michoacan and Jalisco have completed all the necessary procedures for export. Around the time of gaining approval, Berries Paradise also achieved distribution access through Chinese importer Dalian Yidu. On June 14, joining hands with Aneberries, Berries Paradise announced that the first shipment of blueberries sent to China via air transport. This shipment contained 420 boxes of blueberries—comprised mainly of the Grand Sofía blueberry variety. Reportedly, Mexican blueberries have also received support from JD Fresh, one of China’s largest online realtors, which started the pre-sells at the night of June 15th.

In response to such quick import with Berries Paradise, Dalian Yidu’s Manager of blueberry items Wenbin Fu said, “Dalian Yidu’s objective is to satisfy domestic demand by supplying fresh and superior blueberries from a global selection. We source blueberries from domestic [Chinese] producers, Chile, Canada, and Peru. Furthermore, Dalian will attempt contact with any newly approved blueberry exporters and select their top varieties to provide Chinese consumers. In this manner, we selected the Grand Sofía variety from the first shipment [of Mexican blueberries] because of their size and sweetness.” Previously, Dalian Yidu struck early agreements with Berries Paradise over Mexican blackberry and raspberry distribution.

Mexican government and media were present at Guadalajara International Airport to celebrate the first blueberry shipment to China. Carlos Aldeco commented, “We believe China will become one of the world’s major markets for berry exports. We are excited that Chinese consumers will be able to taste Mexico’s high-quality blueberries.”