"Broccoli was first produced in the eastern coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. By the time it entered China, it was only produced in the southern coastal areas. In the past few years, because of the improvements in growing technologies, the northern regions have also started to grow it on a large scale. Moreover, people have also gained more knowledge on how to grow broccoli. It has become one of the popular vegetables," states Mr. Zhou Rongping from the Zhejiang Linhai Yue Zhou Fruit and Vegetable Expert Association.
"Our broccoli production is located in Zhangjiakou in Hebei province, where we have over 100 hectares (1000 mu). Our broccoli is mainly sold through traditional sales channels to distributors in first and second tier cities in China. A small amount is exported to South-East Asia and Korea. The broccoli price on the Chinese market is better than abroad."
"The production seasons of broccoli from Zhangjiakou and Zhejiang start respectively at the end of July and in November, and they end at the end of September and around April of the next year. Contrary to other production areas, we are influenced by the weather. Compared to last year, the broccoli production of Zhangjiakou decreased 20%-30%. The price is now twice as high as in the same period last year."
