Financial thrills from the blueberry hills

Health benefits

Liu said the company hopes to increase its product range by promoting the health benefits of blueberries. Anthocyanin flavonoids give blueberries their rich, deep colors and are known as antioxidants with multiple health benefits.

"In my opinion, the future growth of blueberries should be in the extraction, development and commercial application of anthocyanins, such as for anti-aging and eye protection," he said. "Some scientific research teams have already purchased our blueberries for anthocyanin experiments."

Liu said while their blueberries have a natural slightly sour flavor, discerning customers appreciate that they are organic and free of additives.

"We have eight freezers, which are able to store 500 tons of blueberries, and the cold storage trucks can guarantee their freshness for more than 10 days," he added.

The company is experimenting with natural methods to prevent agricultural pests and diseases attacking the fruit. The experiments are being conducted in conjunction with the College of Agriculture at Guizhou University.

Blueberry planting started in Majiang county in 1999.

Now, the county is home to 4,200 hectares of 20 varieties of the fruit, accounting for 28 percent of blueberry plantations in Guizhou and 7.5 percent nationally.

Supermarket chains like Yonghui Superstores order their blueberries directly from the county.

This year, Majiang is forecast to produce 5,000 tons of blueberries, generating net sales revenue of 200 million yuan. By 2021, it aims to achieve sales revenue of more than 600 million yuan from an output of 20,000 tons.

The county has so far received 150 million yuan in poverty alleviation funds allocated for Guizhou province.