Liaozhong Grapes

Liaozhong Grapes

Liaozhong Grapes are a Geographical Indication Protected Product.

　　Liaozhong Grapes are a specialty of Liaozhong County, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. These grapes are seedless, naturally purplish-red in color, with firm, thin, yellowish-green juicy flesh that is sweet and tangy, and they have a rich rose fragrance. Liaozhong Grapes have been awarded the status of a Geographical Indication Protected Product.

　　"Liaozhong Grapes" are seedless, naturally purplish-red, with firm, thin, yellowish-green juicy flesh that is sweet and tangy, and they have a rich rose fragrance. They are believed to nourish yin and blood, strengthen bones and tendons, reinforce weakness and improve digestion, nourish kidneys and liver, and offer therapeutic benefits for conditions such as neurasthenia, fatigue, indigestion, pregnancy anemia, lung deficiency cough, palpitations with night sweats, rheumatic diseases, and edema. With high nutritional value and health benefits, they are regarded as a delicacy among fruits.

　　Origins and Development

　　Grapes originated in Western Asia and were introduced to China via the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty by envoy Zhang Qian. In Liaozhong, they have been cultivated for over 200 years. To improve grape varieties in the county and develop types suited to the local unique climate and geography—with high yield and premium quality—the Liaozhong County Forestry Technology Extension Center introduced five grape varieties including Muscat Hamburg and Jingya from Shenyang Agricultural University in 1982. After successful cultivation, farmers began large-scale planting. By the year 2000, grape production had reached 15,000 tons, with the grapes being sold across the country.

　　Cultivation Scale and Industry Formation

　　Currently, the cultivation area of "Liaozhong Grapes" has reached 5,000 mu (approximately 333 hectares), with an annual output of 10,000 tons and an output value of 50 million yuan. Specialized cooperatives and grape cultivation associations have been established, forming an industrialized management model of "specialized cooperatives (associations) + base + growers + technology (standards) + market." In 2008, Liaozhong County was designated as a fruit and vegetable economic zone by the Shenyang Municipal Government. To accelerate the industrialization of "Liaozhong Grapes," the county implemented a series of supportive policies regarding land adjustment for cultivation, seedling subsidies, and financial loans. Within just a few years, an industrial development pattern of "multiple townships focusing on one industry" and "multiple villages focusing on one product" was formed. The county government invested over 10 million yuan to establish a "Liaozhong Grapes" seedling breeding center and technology extension center. It also strengthened collaboration with institutions such as Shenyang Agricultural University, provincial and municipal forestry academies, and technology extension stations, carrying out various forms of industry-academia-research cooperation. This promoted the research, development, and promotion of new varieties and technologies, using technological innovation to drive the growth of the "Liaozhong Grapes" specialty industry.

　　Industry Development Prospects

　　"Liaozhong Grapes" have been promoted through events such as the China Shenyang International Agricultural Expo, Shanghai Green Expo, Xi’an Yangling Agricultural Expo, Manzhouli Economic and Trade Fair, as well as annual Mid-Autumn Grape Tasting and Picking Festivals in Liaozhong. Media coverage has also helped boost their visibility. A trade office for exports to Russia and a produce packaging factory have been set up in Manzhouli, and a long-term supply agreement has been signed with Manzhouli Chenglin Trading Company, exporting over 2,000 tons annually.

　　Liaozhong Grapes Become a National Geographical Indication Protected Product

　　In accordance with the "Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products," the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine organized experts to review the application for Geographical Indication Product protection for Liaozhong Grapes. Upon passing the review, Liaozhong Grapes were approved as a Geographical Indication Protected Product, with protection taking effect immediately.

　　Liaozhong Grapes

　　The current administrative region of Liaozhong County, Liaoning Province

　　"Letter from the People’s Government of Liaozhong County on the Delimitation of the Protected Production Area for Liaozhong Grapes Geographical Indication Product," Liaozhong Zheng [2013] No. 78

　　Liaozhong County Agricultural Technical Specification: DB210122/T03-2012 "Liaozhong Grapes"