On July 2, a batch of fresh peaches weighing 1.9 tonnes and valued at 58,000 yuan was shipped from Huaihua to Malaysia, after passing inspection by the Huaihua Customs Authority. These peaches, supplied by an agricultural company in Mayang Miao Autonomous County, marked the first-ever export of fresh peaches from Huaihua to an overseas market.
"This batch of peaches is well-shaped, crisp, sweet, and juicy, winning over the taste buds of Malaysian consumers," said Lei Huaying, manager of the company, adding that the company has received follow-up purchase inquiries from Southeast Asian clients.
Mayang features unique selenium-rich sandy soil and a high-altitude climate, which gives higher sweetness and richer aroma to local fruits. According to Lei, fresh peaches have extremely strict requirements for freshness preservation and cold-chain transportation. Previously, they were mainly sold through a combination of online and offline channels to surrounding areas such as Huaihua, Guizhou, and Guangxi, with prices hovering around 10 yuan per kilogram.
At present, leveraging the smart cold chain service of the Huaihua International Land Port, fresh peaches can be maintained in a cold-chain environment throughout the entire process from harvest to export. The cold chain support has significantly enhanced the international competitiveness of the peaches, with the export price rising to around 32 yuan per kilogram, thereby increasing farmers' incomes and improving agricultural efficiency.
In response to the fresh peaches' short shelf life and high timeliness requirements, the Huaihua Customs Authority provides early guidance for the company on standardizing plantation management, pest monitoring, and operations of packaging factory, to ensure quality control at the source. During the export process, a "green channel" was established, supported by a series of facilitation measures such as remote inspection, to ensure freshness through efficient service.
As the peak peach season arrives, the fulfillment of the first export order has reassured local growers. Huaihua's specialty agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and poultry eggs, have now made their way into overseas markets. According to official data, Huaihua's agricultural exports during the January-May period reached 80.338 million yuan.