Shrimp Chili

Shrimp Chili

Shrimp Chili is a protected geographical indication product.

　　“Shrimp Chili,” also known as “Little Shrimp Chili” or “Zunyi Chili,” refers to chili peppers produced in Zunyi County, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province.

　　These chilies, because they are mainly grown in Xiazhi Town and surrounding areas, are known as Shrimp Chili. Zunyi City is a nationally famous chili-producing hub. Its chilies are small, bright red, highly spicy, and richly flavored, making them one of the major traditional export varieties of chili in China. Represented by Xiazhi and its neighboring towns, Zunyi chilies are sold in produce markets across cities in China, as well as in various countries and regions including Southeast Asia and Japan, where they are widely loved. One of its varieties, “Xiazhi Upside-down Little Chili,” combines the best traits of chilies from all over Guizhou, drawing on the essence of northern Guizhou’s soil, water, and sunlight. Known for their uniform size, plumpness, thick flesh, glossy red color, and richly spicy flavor, these chilies have gained fame both domestically and internationally. In 1999, they were honored as “Guizhou Province’s Famous and High-quality Chili,” and in 2001, they won a gold medal at the International Agricultural Expo.

　　Planting History

　　　　The history of planting Xiazhi Little Chili in Zunyi County spans more than 500 years. Legend has it that during the mid-15th century, a large wave of migrants brought chili seeds with them. Thanks to abundant sunlight, suitable temperature variations, excellent water quality, and fertile soil, generations of careful cultivation allowed the chili to take root and develop its unique characteristics. By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, with the emergence of capitalism and the development of a commodity economy, farmers shifted chili cultivation from subsistence to commercial production. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, chili had gained considerable reputation and wide influence. According to the "Zunyi Prefecture Records," “Zunyi chilies surpass others in both quality and yield.” Large-scale commercial production began after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In 1957, Zunyi County became the only county in Guizhou Province with an annual chili output of over ten thousand dan (a traditional unit), and it established a production base for export-oriented little chilies. Starting from the mid-1970s, the county focused on diversified operations, actively helping farmers in production areas select superior varieties and promote advanced cultivation techniques. It eventually became one of China’s traditional export-exempt agricultural products.

　　Industrial Development

　　　　To further accelerate the development of the chili industry, in 1999, the Guizhou Province Zunyi County Xiazhi Upside-down Chili Co., Ltd. was established. Its subsidiaries include the Zunyi County Xiazhi Chili Wholesale Market, the Zunyi County Chili Food Factory, Zunyi Kanglv Chili Co., Ltd., the Zunyi County Guishanhong Chili Series Food Factory, and Guizhou Leixin Chili Food Factory—four food processing enterprises primarily focused on chili-based ingredients. The chili wholesale market was built and put into use in 1992, relocated and rebuilt in 1999. The first phase covers an area of 24,000 square meters, with a construction area of 21,000 square meters and a total investment of 14.7 million yuan. The market, equipped with complete infrastructure and full functionality, officially opened in October 2002. By 2004, the volume of dried chili traded surpassed 55 million kilograms, with a transaction value of nearly 400 million yuan. The chilies were mainly sold to major cities across China as well as to countries and regions such as the United States, Russia, Mexico, Japan, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Macau. In 2003, under a land swap policy, a second phase of the chili wholesale market attracted 22.7 million yuan in foreign investment and was completed. The Xiazhi Chili Wholesale Market has become one of the largest specialized chili wholesale markets in the country. In 2002, it was officially named a “Designated Market of the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China.” In May 2003, during an inspection of the chili industry, the then Vice Premier of the State Council praised it as a “small chili, big industry.” In August 2005, it was awarded the title of “Chili Capital of China” by the China Food Culture Research Association, further elevating the national brand image of Xiazhi Chili. To comprehensively increase the added value of chilies and achieve standardized planting and large-scale operations, in 2004, the town also built a chili food deep-processing industrial park spanning nearly 500 acres. The Xiazhi Chili Wholesale Market was designated a “Designated Market of the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China” in 2000, named a “National Three-Green Project Demonstration Unit” by eight ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture in 2001, recognized as a “Top 100 Exemplary Enterprise for New Rural Construction” by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Township Enterprise Bureau in 2006, and approved as a “Double Hundred Market Project” construction site by the Ministry of Commerce. In 2007, it was commended as an Advanced Collective by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

　　Geographical Indication Protection

　　　　In 2009, after review by the National Quality Inspection Bureau, it was decided to implement national geographical indication product protection for “Shrimp Chili.”

　　 Protected Area

　　　　The protected geographical indication area for Shrimp Chili includes the administrative regions of 31 towns and townships in Zunyi County, Guizhou Province, namely Nanbai Town, Longkeng Town, Sancha Town, Goujiang Town, Sanhe Town, Wujiang Town, Xiazhi Town, Sandu Town, Xinzhou Town, Yongle Town, Longping Town, Laba Town, Tuanxi Town, Tiechang Town, Xiping Town, Shangqi Town, Maoli Town, Xinmin Town, Yaxi Town, Shiping Town, Leshan Town, Fengxiang Town, Panshui Town, Mati Town, Shawan Town, Songlin Town, Maoshi Town, Shanpen Town, Zhima Town, Pingzheng Gelao Ethnic Township, and Hongguan Miao Ethnic Township.