The China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications officially entered into force on March 1, 2021. It is China's first bilateral comprehensive and high-level agreement on the protection of geographical indications (GIs), and an important and practical outcome in the development of China-EU economic and trade relations in recent years.
We will continue to introduce to you the first batch of 100 Chinese GIs and 100 European GIs under the Agreement, to better protect and market them to meet the needs of consumers on both sides for a better life.
GI Episode 33: Yantai Apple
Yantai of Shandong Province is one of the main areas for apple production in China. With a modern apple production history of over 150 years, the city is reputed as the birthplace of modern apples in China. Apples are a local specialty of Yantai, which now grows more than 100 varieties of apples, including Red Fuji, Green Banana, Red Banana, Red Star, Jin Shuai and Guoguang. Thanks to their fine varieties and unique flavors, Yantai apples are a much-loved fruit hailed as the “Queen” of fruits in Jiaodong Peninsula.
Yantai apples are renowned at home and abroad for their “round shape, brilliant color, sweet and crisp pulp and intense aroma.” They have smooth and delicate peels, and crispy pulp with little fiber, fine texture and high juice content of above 89%. In addition to distinctive flavors, they are rich in micronutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and other minerals, carotenes, and amino acids. They are delicious with a “golden ratio of sweetness to sour.”
Yantai is located in one of the most suitable regions for apple production at 37 degrees north, with 2,500 hours of sunshine per year and a frost free period of 215 days. It is surrounded by sea on three sides and has a hilly terrain with soil rich in minerals. It features a moderate temperature difference between day and night, a relatively late spring, and pleasant climate in summer, autumn and winter, making it suitable for apples to thrive. Thus, the city has become one of the main apple-producing areas in China.
Yantai is famous for apples, enjoying an equal reputation alongside Laiyang’s pears. When it comes to apples, people naturally associate them with Yantai. In 2014, China’s first apple-themed special stamp was launched in Yantai. Yantai apples have been going global along with the commemorative covers and stamps, adding cultural charm to the city.
Yantai has prominent advantages in apple production, including high fruit quality, high brand value and a complete industry chain. Its fresh apples are exported to more than 60 countries and regions in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, accounting for half of total fresh apple exports in China. From an importer of several apple varieties to a top exporter of over 100 types of apples, Yantai is proud of its flourishing apple industry.
