Stop number two: a group of Chinese dried fruit and nut buyers visiting the USA sponsored by the USDA-Foreign Agriculture Service Agriculture Trade Office (ATO) Beijing toured the hot hot Central Valley. On June 7, they headed to Porterville and Thomas Creek Farms where they received a briefing and farm tour. The buyers had some familiarity with dried blueberries from back home and were amazed to see the real thing. "Imposter" dried blueberries are found throughout China--dried black grapes that look like dried blueberries. The group got a chance to taste and see the real thing! Companies gave great input on how we can work together in China to highlight real blueberries!
One very important take-away from the visit -- the Chinese consumer is very concerned with food safety, and look to the USA as a safe sourcing haven for high value and high quality dried fruits.
Many thanks to Karen Avinelis and Scott Mabs of Thomas Creek Farms for the arrangements and great farm tour!
Scott Mabs, CEO Thomas Creek Farms with Chinese dried fruit importers at Porterville office.
In the field at Dinuba.
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