Hengjiang Grapes

Hengjiang Grapes

　　Hengjiang Grapes are a specialty of Hengjiang Town, Ji’an County, Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province. With their large, round berries and excellent taste, "Hengjiang Grapes" are making their way from this red-earthed land of Ji’an County to all parts of the country and into countless households with their unique charm. In 2010, the area was honored with the title “Hometown of Grapes in China.”

　　The Hengjiang Grapes of Ji’an County were first introduced in 1999 by Xiao Zhangying, a migrant worker who returned home. Initially, only 10 mu were planted as a trial. Due to Ji’an County’s specific climate conditions, which are particularly suitable for grape cultivation, the resulting grapes not only looked good but also tasted better than other grape varieties on the market. Upon their first arrival on the market, they made an extraordinary impression and were designated as the premium fruit for VIP receptions at foreign-related hotels in Jinggangshan City.

　　Currently, the total planting area of Hengjiang Grapes in the county has reached over 30,000 mu, with an estimated total annual output of more than 30,000 tons and a production value of over 200 million yuan. There are more than 120 specialized growers in the county with vineyards exceeding 50 mu each, accounting for 3% of the county’s 3,800 grape-growing households and covering 30% of the total grape-growing area. Hengjiang Grapes have successfully entered major supermarkets and fruit wholesale markets in large and medium-sized cities such as Nanchang, Ganzhou, Jiujiang, and Pingxiang, achieving fixed-point direct sales of fresh fruit and brand-based marketing.

　　Starting in 2004, under the organization of the government, eight consecutive “China·Ji’an Hengjiang Grape Festivals” have been successfully held, greatly enhancing the brand recognition of Hengjiang Grapes. In 2004, Hengjiang Grapes were approved as pollution-free agricultural products by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2007, they were recognized by the China Green Food Development Center as meeting the “Green Food Grade A Standard.” In 2009, they received “Organic Conversion Product” certification from the Beijing Zhonglv Huaxia Organic Food Certification Center and were listed as part of the sixth batch of National Agricultural Standardization Demonstration Projects. In 2010, the area was honored with the title “Hometown of Grapes in China.”