Qingjiang caviar export jumps more than 80%
2026-11-10 20:11:04
By Zhou Chunyi
Yichang’s caviar exports reached 22.39 tons in the first 10 months of this year, up nearly 83 percent from a year ago, according to Yichang Customs. The export value increased more than 80 percent to US$6.33 million.
Qingjiang Sturgeon Valley in Yidu, a major production base of the city, has an annual production capacity of 120 tons. With the Christmas peak season approaching, the base is operating at full capacity to accelerate shipments to European and U.S. markets.
Yichang’s caviar exports reached 22.39 tons in the first 10 months of this year, up nearly 83 percent from a year ago, according to Yichang Customs. The export value increased more than 80 percent to US$6.33 million.
Qingjiang Sturgeon Valley in Yidu, a major production base of the city, has an annual production capacity of 120 tons. With the Christmas peak season approaching, the base is operating at full capacity to accelerate shipments to European and U.S. markets.
The indoor sturgeon farming workshop at Qingjiang Sturgeon Valley in Yidu. Photo by Sun Yunmin.
The wintering workshop, which opened last October, simulates winter conditions by maintaining the water temperature at around 5 degrees Celsius. To meet demand in Western markets, workers began moving mature sturgeon into the facility in mid-September.
Liu Zhongxing, head of the breeding base, said wintering helps sturgeon consume fat, resulting in a richer flavor. The wintering period lasts about six weeks, and most sturgeon are now ready for processing.
During processing, 21 meticulous steps, including egg extraction, cleaning, and salting, must be completed within 15 minutes to ensure maximum freshness. The factory currently processes 700 to 800 kilograms of caviar daily. Production from September to December accounts for about 70 percent of the annual total. The company expects to export another 40 tons before the end of the year, aiming to double its annual export volume year on year.
The company's caviar is currently exported to more than 20 countries and regions, including the Middle East, the U.S., and the EU. Sales manager Hu Yingying said the company made its first shipment to France this year. After receiving samples in June, the French client provided positive feedback and placed an additional order for 500 kilograms. The client plans to visit the factory in mid-November. Exports to markets such as Kazakhstan have also grown significantly.
Premium caviar products produced by Qingjiang Sturgeon Valley. Photo by Sun Yumin.
To ensure quality, the company has implemented end-to-end controls covering breeding, processing, and cold-chain logistics. It has also formed a strategic partnership with BioMar, a Danish aquaculture feed company, to align its operations with European farming and environmental standards. Next year, the company plans to participate in Seafood Expo North America in Boston and the SIAL Paris food exhibition to further expand its overseas market reach.
An aerial view of Qingjiang Sturgeon Valley nestled among green mountains and clear waters. Photo by Yidu Converged Media Center.
The rapid export growth is attributed to the company's early investment in a complete industry chain. The sturgeon farming cycle usually takes eight to 10 years. In 2016, Yidu promoted the "sturgeon ashore" initiative, and the company built the world's largest indoor sturgeon farm in 2019.
General Manager Ji Jianyi said exports accounted for only 30 percent of the company’s total caviar sales last year. By August this year, the share had exceeded 60 percent and is expected to reach 80 percent by the end of the year.
Yang Jing also contributed to the story.
