Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024

Seasoning the World: Exploring the China Garlic Phenomenon

Reefers Manager, ZIM China
Sun.Rio@zim.com

A Year-Round Garlic Giant

China’s garlic season runs from May to December, with peak harvests offering a consistent supply to international markets year-round. While challenges like weather fluctuations, import/export regulations, and sensitive temperature control may affect exports, China remains the world’s top garlic exporter, delivering 70% of the global supply.

At the heart of Shandong Province lies Jining, often called the “Garlic Capital of the World”. With over 2,000 years of garlic cultivation history, Jining is home to the largest garlic farms and factories, where the garlic bulbs are harvested and prepared. This region produces over 2.2 million tons of garlic annually, making their way to over 170 countries.

But it’s not just about quantity. China’s garlic is prized for its health benefits, especially its antibacterial properties and ability to boost the immune system.

Did you know?

In Jinxiang Village, a key garlic-producing area in Shandong, garlic is so central to daily life that zero COVID-19 cases were reported during the pandemic. Locals attribute this to the daily consumption of garlic. Coincidence or natural remedy? You decide.

In Jinxiang Village, a key garlic-producing area in Shandong, garlic is so central to daily life that zero COVID-19 cases were reported during the pan…

Qingdao: China’s Garlic Gateway

ZIM is a key player in this gigantic market. Operating from Qingdao, this bustling port city serves as a main hub for ZIM’s North China network, moving local fresh and refrigerated goods to global markets. While garlic remains the standout export, Qingdao is also a gateway for a variety of fresh products, including apples, pears, carrots, cabbage, and frozen seafood like fish and squid, as well as frozen fruit.

Building on its previous success, ZIM has recently expanded its reach. This year alone, ZIM North China has delivered Chinese garlic to markets in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, adding to its already robust markets in Brazil, the US and Canada.

From Farm Fresh to Market Ready

Garlic, like many fresh commodities, demands precise conditions to maintain its quality. The garlic bulbs are highly perishable, and consume large amounts of oxygen, therefore, requiring controlled atmosphere, humidity and ventilation during transport:

Garlic destined for European markets must be stored at 0°C to -3°C with continuous temperature monitoring, specialized ventilation and controlled atmospheric conditions to ensure the garlic bulbs remain fresh from origin to destination.
During the summer period, when warmer temperature can reach 13-20°C, exporters may sometimes use a process called “hot stuffing” and cool the cargo gradually over 3-4 days to maintain its integrity.

Timing is also a critical aspect. With fresh goods travelling hundreds of kilometers from China’s local farms to the port of departure, minimizing delays during loading and transport is essential. With market-leading transit times, ZIM North China ensures timely deliveries from Qingdao to: