Core Insights - The article discusses the booming winter melon industry in Guangdong, highlighting the increasing planting area and market demand for various types of winter melons [1][10][12]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - As the weather warms up, winter melons are becoming popular in the market, with prices reaching 1.2-1.5 yuan per jin, and larger melons selling for around 50 yuan [4][5][6]. - The planting area for winter melons in China has reached 6.5 million acres, with Guangdong accounting for approximately 800,000 acres, making it the second-largest production area [13][16][17]. - The average yield for black-skinned winter melons exceeds 7,500 kg per acre, with high-yielding varieties reaching up to 12,000 kg per acre, which supports stable supply in southern China [21][22]. Group 2: Variety and Quality Improvement - New varieties of winter melons, including high-quality, functional, and processing-specific types, are emerging, driving market upgrades [24][25]. - The market is shifting towards medium-sized black-skinned winter melons that are 60-70 cm long, with a focus on durability and suitability for export [32][33]. - The popularity of hybrid varieties, such as the "Emerald Green" winter melon, is increasing due to their improved taste and higher yields, aligning with health-conscious consumer trends [35][36]. Group 3: Processing and Value Addition - The winter melon processing market is expanding, with products like winter melon paste, sugar, and tea reaching an annual output of 600,000 tons and a market value exceeding 10 billion yuan [41][42]. - Over 100 companies are involved in winter melon processing, primarily focusing on baked goods, with new industry standards creating opportunities for increased usage in food products [43][44]. - The demand for pre-prepared winter melon products is rising, driven by the growth of the ready-to-eat meal industry, which enhances the integration of agricultural production and processing [50][51].

Core Points - The Fifth National Winter Melon Industry Conference was held in Guangzhou, showcasing the diversity and richness of winter melon varieties in China [2][4] - A total of 205 new and excellent varieties were submitted for evaluation, including 108 large winter melon varieties and 97 small winter melon and gourd varieties [3][4] - The conference serves as an important platform for promoting innovation and development in the winter melon industry [6][10] Industry Trends - There is a trend towards diversification in winter melon varieties, with large winter melons remaining dominant in cultivation, while small winter melons are gaining popularity, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area [8][9] - Consumer demand for high-quality winter melons is increasing, driving the industry towards higher quality standards [10] Evaluation Process - A panel of seven experts from various fields related to winter melon research, production, and promotion conducted the evaluation based on multiple criteria, including consistency, disease resistance, taste, marketability, and appearance [13][14] - The evaluation also included measurements of soluble solid content and hardness using digital refractometers and fruit hardness testers [14] Award Winners - The award winners for the excellent varieties of winter melons and gourds were announced, highlighting notable varieties such as "Black Belly Limb" and "Ceramic Cotton VS2562" among others [17][18] - The winners of the Winter Melon King competition included "Iron You 388 Hybrid Black Skin Winter Melon" and "露宝363" for gourd varieties, showcasing the best in the industry [20] Organizing Bodies - The event was supported by various agricultural institutions, including the Guangdong Agricultural Technology Promotion Center and the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, with collaboration from multiple organizations [23][24][25]