Zhenhu Peach Growers Tap New Sales Channels as Harvest Hits Its Stride

Zhenhu sub-district in Suzhou New District is expanding the market for its signature yellow peaches through new products, e-commerce, logistics partnerships and talent development as this year's harvest enters peak season.

At a recent local peach competition featuring more than 30 orchards, grower Chen Jianming from Xicun Village took the top prize with a peach weighing 646 grams, or about 1.42 pounds. Entries were judged on appearance, color, sweetness and flavor.

Zhenhu is expecting a strong harvest this year, with total output projected to exceed 1.5 million kilograms. Individual peaches commonly weigh more than 300 grams, while premium fruit can top 500 grams.

Beyond celebrating the harvest, the event showcased efforts to generate more value from the local crop. Zhenhu signed a cooperation agreement with New Hope Dairy's Suzhou subsidiary covering direct sourcing and product development. Four peach-based products, including yogurt, beverages, dried peach slices and canned peaches, were also unveiled, broadening the crop's market beyond fresh-fruit sales.

New distribution channels are taking shape as well. The second-phase physical store of Mashan Village's e-commerce livestreaming base has opened, complementing its online sales operation. A local agricultural company also reached an agreement with JD Logistics on preferential delivery rates, while several businesses signed procurement agreements to support peach growers.

Zhenhu is also investing in the people behind its growing rural e-commerce sector. Mashan, Xicun and Xiu'an villages are working together on digital agriculture and new business models, while Suzhou Polytechnic Institute of Agriculture and Suzhou Institute of Trade & Commerce will support the local livestreaming base in training at least 500 e-commerce professionals each year.