Tuyuan Industrial Co, based in Youyu county, Shanxi province, has become the world's first freeze-dried chive producer to receive the prestigious EU organic certification from Germany.

The EU organic certification is renowned for its stringent standards, transparent traceability, and high market credibility. It is widely acknowledged as a key benchmark for consumers globally when purchasing organic products.

According to Liu Dezhi, general manager of Tuyuan, the company currently manages over 3,500 mu (233 hectares) of chive plantations in the county, producing approximately 300 metric tons of freeze-dried chives annually, with an annual output value of about 70 million yuan ($9.83 million). The enterprise supports nearly 3,000 farming households and is the largest producer of freeze-dried chives in the world.

Tuyuan guides farmers to employ organic farming methods throughout the cultivation process, strictly avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Once harvested, the chives undergo deep purification and cleaning immediately upon entering the processing facility. Utilizing advanced international freeze-drying technology, the chives are preserved at low temperatures, ensuring freshness and establishing a full-chain organic management system from field to factory.

"Our freeze-dried chives are exported year-round to countries like Germany and Japan, accounting for about 50 percent of the global market share. Achieving EU organic certification will further enhance our competitiveness in the international market," said Liu.