During March 2025, China hosted the 10th International Strawberry Symposium in Yancheng, attracting many of the world’s best scientists and industry leaders.

Strawberry production in China now covers approximately 133000 hectares, the vast majority of which is short-day production. The emphasis is on producing sweet tasting strawberries with a brix of 13+, little acid and less concern on shelf life and yield.

The presentation of the fruit for retail sales is of the highest global standard, with berries placed individually in specific-shaped packaging more akin to a box of chocolates.

There is a rising demand for white and blush coloured strawberries, fitting the same fruit quality specification.

The number of young people entering the strawberry industry from world-class universities is both evident and admirable, helping secure a bright future for the industry and its continued development.

Monterey from the University of California, Davis – dominates the day neutral market, although by comparison to their short day variety Benehope, it has a small surface area.

GPG’s licensed partners in China are doing a great job at both nursery level and fruit market development. With NEW varieties protected there, with our legal team and strong integrated partnerships in place, we are excited by the future opportunities.