Grapes of Malu Town

Grapes of Malu Town

The grapes of Malu Town are a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　The grape cultivation in Malu Town has a history of over 20 years. Currently, the town has more than 5,000 acres of grape planting area, producing over 6,000 tons of fresh grapes annually, generating a direct economic income of more than 46 million yuan for local farmers. There are 1,200 farming households growing grapes in the town, providing employment for over 2,000 laborers. Grape production in Malu Town has initially formed an agricultural pillar industry characterized by modern urban agriculture features, distinctive Malu traits, and contributing to the prosperity of local farmers.

　　　　To improve the quality and market competitiveness of Malu grapes, the Malu Grape Research Institute was established in 1992. In 1998, a new variety trial field and a high-quality cultivation demonstration field were set up. In 2000, the institute was upgraded to a municipal-level grape research institute. In 2003, the Shanghai Malu Grape Development Company was founded, along with the establishment of a new 1,000-acre high-quality grape production base. In 2006, the 500-plus-acre Malu Grape Theme Park officially opened. Through continuous research, exploration, and improvement, over 100 new grape varieties have been introduced on top of the originally planted single variety, Kyoho. Twelve superior new varieties have been promoted for cultivation, gradually forming a well-balanced layout of early, mid, and late-season grape varieties for a staggered market release, extending the harvest season and satisfying the palates of consumers.

　　　　To further promote the development of the Malu grape industry, the Grape Research Institute registered the “Malu Brand” grape trademark in 2000, aiming to encourage high-quality grape cultivation across the town through agricultural branding. The institute also focused on brand management and certification of pollution-free agricultural products. From 2004 to 2006, Malu grapes were recognized for several consecutive years as Shanghai Safe, Sanitary, and High-Quality Agricultural Products by the Municipal Agricultural Product Certification Center, and in 2007, they obtained Green Food Certification from the Ministry of Agriculture.

　　　　To better organize grape growers across the town, the Malu Grape Cooperative was established in December 2004. On the basis of unified supply of production materials such as fertilizers, pesticides, seedlings, fruit bags, greenhouses, and cartons, the cooperative provides centralized technical training and guidance to grape growers every year, standardizing their production techniques. In 2004, Malu Town was designated as a national standardized production demonstration zone for facility-based grape cultivation, greatly promoting the spread and application of high-quality grape cultivation techniques.

　　　　Malu grapes have formed an agro-ecotourism service area centered around the Malu Grape Theme Park and the surrounding 1,500-acre high-quality grape demonstration base. With the continuous improvement of tourism facilities and services, more citizens are expected to visit Malu for leisure and sightseeing, which will further propel the Malu grape industry to new heights.