Oranges await export at the Zhejiang Yongfeng Fresh Fruit Specialized Cooperative in Taizhou. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The Zhejiang Yongfeng Fresh Fruit Specialized Cooperative in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, buzzed with activity on Sept 18 as workers were busy weighing and packaging oranges.

After the inspection, 60 metric tons of oranges embarked on a journey to Canada. This is the first batch from Zhejiang to be exported, marking the commencement of Zhejiang's orange export season this year.

"Our exports to Canada this year have totaled 600 tons, valued at $1 million," said Ying Qimin, the cooperative's chairman. "This year's export price reached 23.2 yuan ($3.28) per kilogram, nearly double that of last year."

Taizhou's oranges have established a strong reputation in international markets for their consistent quality. Exports have been steadily rising in the Canadian market.

In 2023, the total volume of orange exports in Taizhou hit 1,673.3 tons, with an expected 30 percent increase this year to 2,000 tons, according to Taizhou Customs.

Ying expressed confidence in the international market, noting plans to expand into Russia and Southeast Asia. The cooperative anticipates a 50 percent increase in orange exports this year, exceeding 500 tons.