In recent years, Chongqing’s geographical indication products such as “Fuling Zhacai” and “Fengjie Navel Oranges” have been selling well in the market, helping to increase farmers’ incomes. This success is attributed to careful local cultivation.

At a press conference held in Chongqing, it was announced that the city currently possesses 70 geographical indication products, with 301 registered as collective or certification trademarks. These are distributed across 34 districts and counties, essentially covering Chongqing’s well-known agricultural products.

A geographical indication is a type of intellectual property originating from a specific region, closely linked to the area’s natural and human factors. It serves as an important tool for local governments to promote rural revitalization and develop regional specialty economies. In daily life, many geographical indication products are often referred to as “local specialties.”

During the current Five-Year Plan period, Chongqing has been promoting the development of the geographical indication industry primarily through three aspects.

First, strengthening protection and supervision to create a favorable market environment. Local authorities have approved 565 business entities to use the geographical indication official mark; daily supervision focuses on cracking down on infringement, counterfeiting, unauthorized use, and improper use of the official mark. Additionally, Chongqing and Sichuan have jointly carried out special law enforcement actions for geographical indication protection, established a key protection list, and strictly cracked down on violations.

Second, creating highlands for geographical indication protection to demonstrate leading roles. Chongqing is building high-standard national protection demonstration zones for Jiangjin Peppercorns and Youyang Tea Oil, which are currently undergoing national inspection. Chengkou La Rou has been selected for the National Geographical Indication Protection Project, providing a model for the city’s protection efforts.

It is worth noting that Jiangjin Peppercorns have driven the industry’s extension into medicine, chemicals, and cultural tourism. A protection matrix has been formed, involving 18 leading enterprises approved to use the official mark, 148 trademarks, and 144 patents, helping Jiangjin Peppercorns accelerate their expansion into international markets.

Third, strengthening brand building to develop the geographical indication specialty industry. During the current plan period, Chongqing has allocated 7.3 million yuan in special funds to support 29 products in advancing a “geographical indication plus” development model, enhancing brand influence and product added value. In 2024, the comprehensive output value of the city’s geographical indication industry reached 130 billion yuan.

The next steps include accelerating the formulation of relevant regulations, exploring a hierarchical management system, supporting the construction of display and trading platforms, promoting exports, and comprehensively enhancing the quality and market competitiveness of Chongqing’s geographical indication products to better contribute to high-quality regional economic development.

Fuling Zhacai

Fuling Zhacai is a famous type of pickled mustard tuber originating from Fuling, a district in Chongqing, China. Its history dates back over 100 years, with production beginning during the Qing Dynasty. It is renowned for its crisp texture and unique salty, sour, and spicy flavor, achieved through a specific fermentation and pressing process.

Fengjie Navel Oranges

Fengjie in Chongqing, China, is a region renowned for its exceptionally sweet and seedless navel oranges. This reputation stems from a unique microclimate and a history of cultivation that dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Today, the fruit is a celebrated local specialty and a major pillar of the area’s agricultural economy.

Jiangjin Peppercorns

Jiangjin District in Chongqing, China, is a renowned production area for a specific variety of Sichuan peppercorn, known for its intense aroma and numbing sensation (má là). Historically, the region’s unique climate and soil conditions have made it ideal for cultivating these “flower peppercorns” (huājiāo), which have been a cornerstone of Sichuan cuisine for centuries. Today, Jiangjin peppercorns remain a highly prized ingredient, essential for creating the region’s famously bold and complex flavors.

Youyang Tea Oil

Youyang Tea Oil is a traditional agricultural product originating from Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County in Chongqing, China. It is derived from the seeds of the oil-tea camellia plant, a crop with a long history of cultivation in the region’s mountainous terrain. For generations, local communities have used traditional methods to produce this high-quality edible oil, valued for its nutritional benefits.

Chengkou La Rou

Chengkou La Rou, or Chengkou Cured Meat, is a traditional preserved meat product from Chengkou County in Chongqing, China. Its history dates back centuries, originating as a practical method for preserving pork through the cold winter months in the mountainous region. The meat is cured with local spices and smoked slowly over firewood, giving it a distinctive, rich flavor that is a celebrated part of local culinary heritage.