“水果自由”，甜在两头（新知）

Core Insights - Consumers are increasingly noticing that fruits taste "sweeter," with data supporting this trend, such as the average sugar content of watermelons rising from 9 to over 12 in the past 20 years [1][2] - The fruit industry in China is significant, being the largest producer and consumer globally, with projected production and consumption reaching 335 million tons and 328 million tons respectively in 2024 [2] Industry Overview - The fruit industry has become the third largest agricultural sector in China, following grains and vegetables, and is a crucial pillar of the agricultural economy [2] - Advances in breeding technologies, such as hybrid breeding and molecular marker breeding, have enabled the development of new fruit varieties with improved sweetness and flavor [2][3] Consumer Trends - There is a shift in consumer preferences from merely seeking sweetness to a broader focus on nutritional components like vitamins, anthocyanins, and dietary fiber [2] - The rise of fast-moving consumer products like fruit salads and fruit bowls reflects the growing demand for nutritious and healthy eating options [2] Market Dynamics - In 2023, the per capita fruit consumption in China reached 232 kg, significantly exceeding the global average, with a diverse range of fruits available year-round [3] - The domestic production of durians has increased, with over 157,000 tons imported through the China-Laos railway in 2023, marking an 80% increase year-on-year [3] Challenges and Opportunities - The fruit industry faces challenges such as product homogeneity, low mechanization levels, and significant seasonal price fluctuations [4] - Continuous efforts in optimizing planting structures, enhancing technological innovation, and improving supply chain connections are essential for industry growth [4] - Successful examples, such as the apple harvest in Ningxia, demonstrate the potential for fruit production to drive local economic development [4]