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 41: Dapu Honey Pomelo 

Dapu honey pomelo refers to pomelo produced in Dapu County, Meizhou City, Guangdong Province. With a honey pomelo growing history that stretches back more than 1,000 years ago, Dapu County is known as the hometown of honey pomelo in China. It started growing honey pomelo in the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th–14th century) and became a famous honey pomelo production area in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Centuries-old honey pomelo trees can still be found in some ancient villages across the county.

Dapu County has a subtropical monsoon climate, which is ideal for honey pomelo growing. It is the largest honey pomelo production base in Guangdong Province and the largest red-flesh honey pomelo planting base in China.

Dapu honey pomelo is pear-shaped or oblong-ovate in big fruit with thin skin. Its highly nutritious flesh is tender and juicy, contains few or no seeds, and has a sweet taste mixed with a mild tinge of sourness.

The county’s economy is now mostly driven by the honey pomelo industry, which is also the main source of income for local farmers. In addition to being sold in major domestic cities and regions like the Pearl River Delta, Beijing, and Shanghai, Dapu honey pomelo is also very popular in foreign markets like the European Union, the United States, Russia, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and South America thanks to the improvement of brand visibility. Dapu County’s reputation as a top honey pomelo production base is well-recognized both at home and abroad.