Raspberry is not yet a widely popular fruit in China, and the cultivation area remains limited. However, its high nutritional value and market potential present significant opportunities for growth. Li Maosheng, CEO of Tianjin Qiyi Agricultural Co. Ltd, emphasizes the transformative potential of modern greenhouse techniques to improve yield, taste, and quality of raspberries, thus enhancing their market appeal.
“We believe the raspberry market in China can be huge if promoted correctly. By employing modern greenhouse techniques, we can significantly improve yield, taste, and quality,” says Li.
Strategic Partnerships and Expansion Plans
Since 2017, Tianjin Qiyi Agricultural Co. Ltd has ventured into raspberry cultivation in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province. Although this initial project was halted due to land issues, the company now operates farms in Qinghai and Tangshan and plans to build a 73-hectare greenhouse in Tianjin dedicated to raspberry production.
In June, Li and his team visited the Netherlands to explore advanced farming and greenhouse technologies. They toured Boal’s aluminum alloy factory and signed a cooperation agreement on greenhouse horticulture. “We will collaborate closely with Boal to enhance berry production using greenhouse horticulture,” Li shares.
Domestic Breeding and Product Development
Currently, most raspberry varieties cultivated in China come from overseas breeders. Recognizing the need for domestic innovation, Tianjin Qiyi Agricultural Co. Ltd is partnering with local universities to develop new raspberry varieties tailored to the Chinese market. “For a sustainable business, it’s essential to have our own breeding varieties,” Li explains.
Storage and transportation pose significant challenges for raspberries due to their perishable nature. Tianjin Qiyi’s research team is actively working on preservation technologies to extend shelf life. Additionally, the company is exploring partnerships with juice companies to develop raspberry juice and pulp products. “The awareness of raspberries in China is still limited. We hope more people will join the industry to strengthen the raspberry market together,” Li concludes.
Conclusion
The strategic use of modern greenhouse techniques, coupled with innovative partnerships and a focus on domestic breeding, positions Tianjin Qiyi Agricultural Co. Ltd to unlock the vast market potential of raspberries in China. As awareness grows and new products emerge, the future of raspberries in China looks promising.
