What’s New in 2024 | Colorful Yunnan, “Colorful” avocados

In order to embrace this year’s Two Sessions of China, we have recently launched a new report series named “What’s New in 2024”. Led by Htike Lwin Ko, our host from Myanmar, we are about the take a special journey to the forefront of some newly-emerged industries and uncover what truly sets them apart in the refreshing spring breeze.

Colorful Yunnan, “Colorful” avocados

Time: February 28, 2024

Place: “Niuka Cha Cha” Beverage Shop in Menglian County, Pu’er City

Weather: Sunny

“Newness” Content: A Cup of Coffee

Recorded by: Dr. Htike Lwin Ko, host from Myanmar

A cup of “Niuka” consists of three distinct layers – coffee, milk, and mashed avocado. Blend them thoroughly and take a generous sip. The flavor is a harmonious blend of sweetness, richness, and smoothness.

Today, I find myself at “Niuka Cha Cha,” a renowned beverage shop with a strong online presence in Menglian County in Pu’er City. The wide selection of avocado-based beverages here has truly taken me by surprise.

Avocado milkshake. (Guo Yao/Yunnan Daily)

Avocado is a common ingredient in Myanmar, often used in fruit juices and desserts. What surprised me was the diverse ways in which avocado is enjoyed in Menglian County, situated on the border with Myanmar. Savoring sliced avocado paired with mustard or honey, I found the texture reminiscent of foie gras, luxuriously soft and oily. Additionally, I had the opportunity to try avocado manna, avocado cookies, and even an avocado pizza for the first time.

Wang Yan, general manager of Menglian Agricultural Commodity Supply Chain Co., Ltd, told me that Menglian avocado is not just enjoyed as a fresh fruit. With the recent completion and operation of the Menglian Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Cold Chain Warehousing and Logistics Center in 2022, a production line for avocado powder and beverages is set to undergo trial production by the end of March this year.

I couldn’t help but wonder how Menglian uses avocado in so many innovative ways. Determined to uncover the answer, I set out for the orchard.

“Niuka Cha Cha” Beverage Shop in Menglian County, Pu’er City. (Guo Yao/Yunnan Daily)

Time: February 29, 2024

Place: Avocado Planting Base in Mangxin Village, Mangxin Township, Menglian County

Weather: Sunny

“Newness” Content: 6,600 hectares

Amidst the fruit trees lining the roadside, clusters of diminutive yellowish flowers stand unassuming. Zhao Shimin, deputy general manager of Pu’er Lüyin Biological Co Ltd, revealed to me that these flowers are none other than avocado blossoms.

A single mature avocado tree yields over 1,300 avocados annually. Contrasting with imported avocados that endure a journey of over 30 days across the ocean for Chinese consumers, Menglian avocados have the advantage of ripening naturally while still on the tree. This results in a higher dry matter content and a more refined taste.

Back in 2007, the general manager of Lüyin, Qi Jiazhu, made history by planting the first avocado tree in Menglian. While the climate and soil in Menglian naturally favor the growth of avocado trees, it took over a decade of continuous exploration in breeding, cultivation techniques, and technology promotion by Lüyin to truly establish a strong foundation for them here.

Zhao Shimin, known by his WeChat moniker “Avocado Grove Guardian,” left a lasting impression on me with his words: “The locals were once unfamiliar with avocados and skeptical about their wealth-generating potential. Now, their earnings have surged multiple-fold, with some of them evolving into skilled technical experts.”

Avocado trees in the planting base in Mangxin Village, Mangxin Township, Menglian County. (Guo Yao/Yunnan Daily)

Strolling among the avocado trees, I overheard some intriguing expressions.

For example, avocados have their own central hub: the Menglian Avocado Development Headquarters, which orchestrates diverse county departments to support the avocado industry. Over time, its scope of activities has broadened from cultivation to encompass the establishment of processing systems and the integrated growth of primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors.

Another term that aroused my interest is the “Hema Fresh Village.” Collaborating with Hema Fresh, Mangxin Village in Mangxin Township, Menglian County has emerged as China’s first Hema Fresh Village dedicated to avocado sales. Hou Yu, a fruit buyer at Hema Fresh, revealed that Menglian avocados can journey from the orchard to tables in first-tier cities within just 72 hours. Through Hema Fresh, Menglian avocados have already reached 28 cities across China. Products like ready-to-eat avocados with seasoning packets, avocado-flavored yoghurt, ice creams, dorayaki pastries, and more have gained popularity among consumers. Looking ahead, the focus will also include research and development in areas such as healthy tea beverages.

My acquaintances in Menglian told me that the avocado cultivation area in the county has surpassed 6,600 hectares, engaging over 7,000 households and 25,000 individuals. As I bid farewell to Menglian, I vowed to reunite with them in the future, harboring a fresh aspiration within me. I believe that through agricultural collaboration between Yunnan and Myanmar, avocados in Myanmar can open up new opportunities and thrive in new ways.

Dr. Htike Lwin Ko from Myanmar visited the the Menglian Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Cold Chain Warehousing and Logistics Center and learned about the new product of avocado power. (Guo Yao/Yunnan Daily)

Planning：Xiongyan, Chu Donghua, Zhang Ruogu

Reporters: Liu Ziyu, Guo Yao

Photographers: Guo Yao

Video maker: Li Wenjun

Host: Htike Lwin Ko

Translator (video): Wang Jingzhong