Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Andar cheese, a traditional handmade cheese from Heilongjiang Province, China, which has recently been recognized as the first domestic cheese product to receive national geographical indication protection, marking a significant milestone for local economic development and heritage preservation [3]. Group 1: Historical Background - Andar cheese has a rich history rooted in the early 20th century when Russian immigrants introduced traditional cheese-making techniques to the region [1]. - The establishment of the Andar Dairy Factory in 1952 during China's First Five-Year Plan marked the beginning of industrial cheese production, while still relying on traditional craftsmanship [1][2]. Group 2: Production Techniques - Andar cheese maintains a commitment to traditional handmade techniques, including a fermentation period of 3-6 months with daily manual turning, which distinguishes it from industrially produced cheeses [2]. - The local Holstein cows produce milk with a fat content 1.5 percentage points higher than average, contributing to the cheese's quality [2]. Group 3: Recognition and Economic Impact - In February 2025, Andar cheese was officially recognized as a national geographical indication product, supported by a comprehensive 267-page documentation [3]. - The recognition is expected to boost annual production to 3,000 tons and generate an annual output value of 400 million yuan, creating over 280 jobs [3]. - Local authorities plan to promote Andar cheese in southern markets, aiming to enhance its visibility and reputation as a high-quality cheese comparable to European varieties [3].

Core Viewpoint - The successful transformation of Lianzhou Crystal Pear and Lianzhou Choy Sum into geographical indication protected products marks a significant step in enhancing the brand value and market competitiveness of these local agricultural products [4][22]. Group 1: Product Recognition and History - Lianzhou Crystal Pear and Lianzhou Choy Sum have been well-loved by consumers and are recognized for their unique qualities [3][4]. - Lianzhou Crystal Pear has a long cultivation history, known for its large size, thin skin, and sweet taste, with a planting area of 65,000 acres and an annual output exceeding 70,000 tons, generating a value of 1.2 billion yuan [8][10]. - Lianzhou Choy Sum, grown in unique climatic and soil conditions, has a planting area of 150,000 acres and a comprehensive output value of 1.8 billion yuan, making it one of the key agricultural industries in Qingyuan City [13][15]. Group 2: Transformation Process - The approval for the transformation into geographical indication protected products is a recognition of the quality of Lianzhou's specialty agricultural products [4][22]. - The local market supervision bureau collaborated with various departments to collect and organize application materials, enhance production standards, and improve quality control systems [17][18]. Group 3: Implications for Agriculture - The transformation will lead to stricter quality supervision and stronger intellectual property protection, effectively preventing counterfeit products and safeguarding consumer rights and brand reputation [23][24]. - This development is expected to enhance product added value, promote the market expansion of Lianzhou Crystal Pear and Lianzhou Choy Sum, and drive the standardization, scaling, and branding of Lianzhou's specialty agricultural industry [26][28].