Core Insights - The winter melon industry in Guangdong is evolving towards standardization and branding, with a focus on innovation and high-value products [3][4][8]. Industry Overview - Winter melon is the second largest melon vegetable in China, with an annual production that continues to rise, expanding from traditional farming to pre-prepared food production lines [3][4]. - The national planting area for winter melon has reached 6.5 million acres, with a comprehensive output value of nearly 70 billion yuan [4]. Innovation and Development - Efforts are being made to break down barriers in breeding, production, processing, circulation, and consumption, supporting enterprises in developing high-value products [8][29]. - The Guangdong Agricultural Technology Promotion Center is establishing a platform for promoting agricultural technology achievements, showcasing over 100,000 new varieties and advanced technologies [15][16]. Product Diversification - The winter melon industry is showcasing its diverse value and development potential through various processed products such as winter melon tea, dehydrated winter melon, and dietary fiber meal replacement powder [18][19]. - The fifth National Winter Melon Conference collected 205 varieties, including 108 large winter melon varieties and 97 small winter melon and节瓜 varieties, with awards given to outstanding varieties [22][28]. Market Trends - As market consumption becomes increasingly diverse, there is a demand for more varied and higher-quality fresh winter melon varieties, as well as processed varieties with higher fiber and disease resistance [29][30]. - The conference also released the first national winter melon industry map to integrate resources and promote the development of the entire industry chain [31].

Core Viewpoint - The development of the "Xiniu Ma Bamboo Shoots" industry in Qingyuan has formed a comprehensive industrial chain integrating standardized planting, deep processing, and brand marketing, achieving significant growth in production and value [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Development - In the first half of this year, the planting area of Xiniu Ma Bamboo Shoots reached 1,005,300 acres, with a total output of 433,200 tons and a comprehensive industrial chain output value of 3.245 billion yuan, marking a growth of 29.8% [1]. - The industry was recognized as one of the "Five Billion" agricultural industries in Qingyuan, with a target of achieving a hundred billion yuan in output value, which was successfully reached in December 2022, totaling 10.965 billion yuan [1][2]. - The planting area of bamboo shoots is projected to increase from 620,000 acres in 2021 to 992,500 acres by 2024, representing a growth of 60.1% [2]. Group 2: Technological Advancements and Standards - Qingyuan has established eight local group standards, including the "Qingyuan Xiniu Ma Bamboo Shoots Planting Technical Regulations," to enhance yield and quality [2]. - The average yield per acre has increased from over 1,000 pounds to over 3,000 pounds, a growth of 200%, supported by technological advancements and research collaborations with institutions [2]. Group 3: Processing and Value Addition - The number of bamboo shoot processing enterprises in Qingyuan has increased to 34, with the deep processing output value rising from 800 million yuan to 2.576 billion yuan, a growth of 222% [3]. - The annual processing capacity for fresh bamboo shoots is expected to reach 250,000 tons, with an estimated annual output value exceeding 2 billion yuan [3]. Group 4: Market Expansion and Branding - Qingyuan has initiated exports of Xiniu Ma Bamboo Shoots to Southeast Asia, with the first shipment of 40 tons planned for quarterly deliveries of approximately 500 tons [5]. - The brand "Xiniu Ma Bamboo Shoots" has been included in the "Yue Brand" regional public brand top 100, enhancing its market recognition [6]. - A comprehensive marketing network has been established, integrating online and offline channels, with 92% of products being exported [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The national winter melon industry is experiencing significant growth, with a comprehensive output value nearing 70 billion yuan, driven by advancements in technology and industry integration [15][19]. Industry Overview - The fifth National Winter Melon Conference was held in Guangzhou, Guangdong, focusing on the entire winter melon industry chain and gathering experts, scholars, and industry representatives to explore new paths for industry integration [5][6]. - The national winter melon planting area increased from 5.5 million mu in 2020 to 6.5 million mu, with the comprehensive output value rising from 55 billion yuan to nearly 70 billion yuan [18][19]. Technological Advancements - The conference emphasized breaking down barriers in breeding, production, processing, circulation, and consumption, supporting innovation to develop high-value-added products [22][24]. - The Guangdong Agricultural Technology Promotion Center aims to create a platform for promoting agricultural technology achievements, showcasing over 100,000 new varieties and advanced technologies [30][31]. Product Diversification - The event featured a variety of winter melon products, including winter melon tea, sliced winter melon, dehydrated winter melon, and dietary fiber meal replacement powder, highlighting the diverse value and development potential of the winter melon industry [40]. - The conference also introduced the first national winter melon industry map, identifying major production areas with over 180,000 mu of annual planting [42]. Collaboration and Partnerships - Collaborations were established between various agricultural research institutions and companies to enhance winter melon breeding technology and product development [46][49]. - The conference included discussions on new vegetable industry models and management challenges in winter melon cultivation, providing scientific guidance for growers [44][45]. Awards and Recognition - A competition showcased 205 winter melon varieties, with awards given to outstanding specimens, reflecting the increasing demand for diverse and high-quality winter melon products [58][60]. - The event recognized the need for improved quality standards and safety in winter melon production, contributing to the industry's standardization and safety development [43].