Fuliang Tea

In 816 AD, Bai Juyi arrived at the riverbank in Jiujiang and wrote his famous *Pipa Xing*: “After countless calls she came out, / Still hiding half her face behind her pipa. / She plucked a few strings and tested the tuning, / And even before a tune took shape, the feeling was there.” Fuliang is a significant place. In Bai Juyi’s widely understood *Pipa Xing*, many overlook this line: “The gate is deserted, few horses or carriages pass by; / An aging beauty marries a merchant. / The merchant cares for profit more than parting — / Last month he went to Fuliang to buy tea.”

　　In recent years, following the principle of “unified origin trademarks, highlighted certification trademarks, diverse product trademarks, and shared public resources,” Fuliang County has integrated, promoted, and publicized “Fuliang Tea” with the core concept of “a millennium-old brand and a century of gold awards.” This has led to a brand development model where the “Fuliang Tea” certification trademark serves as the main brand, complemented by the distinctive product trademarks of various enterprises. The key approach has been to use brand integration as a lever, with industry associations taking the lead and enterprises participating together to shape the golden “Fuliang Tea” brand. The county has also promoted “Fuliang Tea” through evaluations, applications, award acquisitions, and participation in domestic and international tea events. In 1997, Fuliang County was named the “Hometown of Chinese Black Tea” by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2005, it was awarded the title of “National Pollution-Free Tea Production Demonstration County” by the Ministry of Agriculture, and in 2007, it was listed by the Ministry of Agriculture as a “National Designated Unit.” In terms of brand promotion, Fuliang County has taken proactive measures. First, it has integrated the “Fuliang Tea” brand and advanced its upgrade. Building on the 2007 foundation, the Fuliang Tea exhibition hall was improved and standardized, and efforts were made to establish Fuliang Tea display windows in major cities such as Nanchang. In 2007, Fuliang Tea was named a “Jiangxi Famous Agricultural Product,” and in 2009, it was recognized as a “Famous Trademark of Jiangxi Province” by the Jiangxi Administration for Industry and Commerce. Second, media promotion has been intensified to establish the “Fuliang Tea” brand image. Centered around the concepts of “a millennium-old brand and a century of gold awards” and “Jiangxi Fuliang, the Millennium Tea Capital,” extensive publicity across various media platforms has significantly raised the visibility of “Fuliang Tea.” Third, large “Fuliang Tea” billboards and lightbox advertisements have been comprehensively updated, covering an area of 175 square meters, while 100-square-meter giant billboards have been added at key intersections. Fourth, active external promotion of “Fuliang Tea Culture” has highlighted its cultural characteristics. The county has participated in numerous tea-related events both within and outside the province, including: the “First Jiangxi Tea Expo” in May 2007, the “First Nanchang Agricultural Expo” in November 2007; the China (Nanchang) Green Food Expo in October 2008; and the “China (Beijing) International Geographical Indication Products Exhibition” in December 2009. “Fuliang Tea” won gold awards at the Green Expo and the Annual Gold Award for Chinese Geographical Indication Products. In 2009, it was named one of the “Top Ten Teas of East China.” Notably, at the “Jiangxi Food and ‘Four Ones’ Exhibition and Exchange Event” in 2009, Fuliang Tea represented a piece of Jiangxi’s tea culture in the premium exhibition area, achieving excellent results. Organized by the Jiangxi Tea Association, Fuliang Tea participated in the Xi’an Tea Expo held from May 7–9, 2009. It also assisted in hosting the “Sixth Jingdezhen Fuliang Tea Culture Tourism Festival.” Fifth, from June 10–12, the Fifth Council Meeting of the First Session of the Jiangxi Tea Association was successfully hosted, providing a high-level platform to promote Fuliang Tea. The development initiatives for the Fuliang Tea industry received high praise at the meeting. Sixth, the number of tea enterprises directly using the “Fuliang Tea” trademark increased from five in 2007 to eleven in 2008. Enterprises have shown growing awareness of printing the “Fuliang Tea” logo and packaging. The county produced 57,236 sets of packaged goods, 37,000 Fuliang Tea tote bags, and effectively used these products to promote Fuliang Tea. The atmosphere for jointly building the core “Fuliang Tea” brand has become increasingly vibrant. Seventh, in line with the brand integration strategy of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Fuliang Tea has entered the Nanchang Tea Market as a unified entity. A 130-square-meter Fuliang Tea specialty store opened in April, with all enterprise products now connected. The Nanchang Fuliang Tea Tea Company has been established, creating a cohesive environment for promoting Fuliang Tea. The market recognition of Fuliang Tea continues to rise, the market expands further, and collaborative efforts grow stronger.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The geographical coordinates of “Fuliang Tea” are between 117°01′00″ and 117°42′00″ east longitude, and 29°09′00″ and 29°56′00″ north latitude. The specific production areas include the following 13 tea-producing towns under Fuliang County: Yaoli Town, Ehu Town, Zhuangwan Township, Wanggang Township, Xianghuang Town, Xihu Township, Lefeng Township, Jiangcun Township, Jinggongqiao Town, Zhitan Township, Xingtian Township, Jiaotan Town, and Huangtan Township. The protected production area spans 5,500 hectares.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　Fuliang Tea is characterized by its tightly rolled, slender, round, and straight leaves; a dry and moist color that is emerald green, turning golden yellow when wet; fragrances reminiscent of chestnut and orchid; a mellow, refreshing taste with a lingering aftertaste; and bright leaf bottoms. 1. Sensory Characteristics: The sensory quality indicators for different grades of Fuliang Tea are shown in the table below (omitted). 2. Intrinsic Quality Indicators: The physicochemical indicators for different grades of Fuliang Tea are shown in the table below (omitted). 3. Safety Requirements: Hygiene indicators must comply with Articles 4 and 5 of NY5017—2001; sampling shall be conducted according to GB/T8302—2002; moisture content according to GB/T8304—2002; total ash content according to GB/T8306—2002; water extractables according to GB/T8305—2002; crude fiber according to GB/T8310—2002; and hygiene indicators such as lead, copper, BHC, and DDT according to NT1017—2001, Article 5.2. Quantitative packaging shall follow the National Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision Order No. 43, “Regulations on Metrological Supervision of Quantitative Packaging Commodities.” Fuliang Tea has a high water extractable content, with tea polyphenols and amino acids among other active components higher than those in other teas. In addition to drinking, it holds significant medicinal and culinary value, earning the reputation of “three flavors for medicine” in Fuliang Tea.