Officials from China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) have announced the initiation of the draft protocol for export of California fresh strawberries to China.
The process of acquiring market access started back in 2008 during the Beijing Olympics, when athletes requested strawberries as part of their diet, according to the California Strawberry Commission.
“We are honored that the Chinese have allowed California to be the first location in the world to ship strawberries to China,” said Rick Tomlinson, CSC’s president.
The signing is progress toward the next step, when Chinese officials come to California for a final inspection in the spring. It is anticipated that shipments could begin in the summer. Access to the market is a good example of complementary trade to support the growing consumer demand for strawberries.
China has significant domestic strawberry production, but their season usually ends during the month of May. Just as the Chinese season ends, California is reaching peak production, according to CSC.
