A top student from Nanjing University and a German-educated master’s graduate has become a leading seller of salad meals on Pinduoduo while also supplying major membership supermarkets. Jiang Fangjun, born in the 1980s in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, is the founder of the salad brand “First Farm.” Whenever people express amazement at his successful career shift, he earnestly responds, “I’ve never strayed from my expertise.”

Career Shift: AI-Powered Vegetable Selection—Staying True to His Expertise

Born in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, Jiang Fangjun is an outstanding graduate of Nanjing University’s School of Information Management and holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Würzburg in Germany. This year marks his 15th year since returning to China to start his business.

After completing his master’s degree, Jiang did not stay long in the software development field. Instead, he returned to Jiangsu to pursue his vision of “producing salad meals with the precision of manufacturing fine instruments.” Today, he operates two smart salad production facilities in Shanghai’s Qingpu district and Changzhou, Jiangsu, along with ten partner farms across different climate zones in China. His factories produce 15,000 tons of salad meals annually, supplying well-known membership supermarkets and ranking among the top sellers on e-commerce platforms like Pinduoduo.

While many marvel at his successful transition from IT to the salad industry, Jiang insists he has never left his professional roots—instead, they have greatly benefited his work.

▲ Jiang Fangjun inspecting machinery operations on the production floor.

Jiang explains that computer science is a versatile discipline applicable across industries. When he returned to China, his goal was simple: to find a lifelong pursuit that could modernize traditional sectors using advanced technology.

Germany’s strict food safety standards inspired his entrepreneurial idea—applying computer technology to revolutionize agriculture, making food production transparent and intelligent for healthier consumption. Initially, he experimented with a subscription-based fresh produce service but later pivoted to salad meal production due to market immaturity.

The transition was far from simple. His IT background enabled him to analyze market trends using big data, leading him to the niche but demanding salad industry. After establishing his first factory in Changzhou, he later invested in Shanghai’s automated facility, becoming the first in China to integrate AI into salad production—a breakthrough that solidified his company’s competitive edge.


▲ Packaged salad meals ready for nationwide distribution via platforms like Pinduoduo.

How does AI ensure salad quality? Inside Jiang’s Shanghai factory, a fully automated production line operates at a constant 5°C. At the end of the conveyor belt, a stainless-steel inspection chamber equipped with high-intensity lighting and infrared sensors meticulously examines each leaf. Unlike human workers, whose efficiency declines over time, the AI-powered system maintains a 99.99% accuracy rate, processing over one ton of greens per hour.

“Our washing process is nothing like home kitchen prep!” Jiang emphasizes. Salad greens undergo triple sorting, quadruple disinfection, and thorough washing to remove contaminants, pesticides, and bacteria before being spun dry and packed. The stringent process requires sterile conditions, ice-cold purified water, and at least 60 seconds per cleaning stage—resulting in products that exceed GAP safety standards and even surpass the quality of international supermarket offerings.


▲ Salad greens undergo triple sorting and quadruple disinfection upon arrival at the factory.

Jiang invests millions annually in product testing, ensuring each bag of salad comes with dual reports on raw materials and finished products. The smart factories, developed in collaboration with academic institutions, have doubled operational efficiency compared to conventional facilities.

Nationwide Impact: Partner Farms Boost Annual Incomes by ~50 Million Yuan

On Jiang’s Pinduoduo store, colorful ready-to-eat salad combinations attract health-conscious shoppers, with many praising the convenience of fresh,

Nanjing University

Nanjing University (NJU), founded in 1902 as Sanjiang Normal College, is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions. Located in Nanjing, it played a key role in modern Chinese intellectual history and was a center for the country’s educational reform and scientific development. Today, it is a leading comprehensive university known for its strong programs in humanities, sciences, and engineering.

University of Würzburg

The University of Würzburg, founded in 1402, is one of Germany’s oldest universities, with a rich history in academia and research. It gained prominence in the 19th century under the leadership of scientists like Wilhelm Röntgen, who discovered X-rays there in 1895. Today, it remains a prestigious institution known for its contributions to medicine, science, and the humanities.

First Farm

“First Farm” typically refers to the historic First Farm of the President of the United States, located at the National Park Service’s President’s Park in Washington, D.C. Established in the early 19th century, it was used by early U.S. presidents like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson for agricultural purposes. Today, it symbolizes the nation’s agrarian roots and is part of the cultural heritage preserved by the National Park Service.

(If referring to a different “First Farm,” additional context would be needed.)

Qingpu district

Qingpu District is a suburban area in Shanghai, China, known for its rich history, watertowns, and cultural heritage. Once a key agricultural and trading region, it features historic sites like the ancient Zhujiajiao Water Town, which dates back over 1,700 years. Today, Qingpu blends traditional charm with modern development, including eco-friendly spaces like the Qingxi Country Park.

Changzhou

Changzhou is a historic city in Jiangsu Province, China, with a history dating back over 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty. Known for its cultural heritage, it features landmarks like the Tianning Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China, and the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Changzhou is also a modern industrial hub, blending ancient traditions with contemporary development.

Pinduoduo

Pinduoduo is a Chinese e-commerce platform founded in 2015, known for its innovative group-buying model that offers discounted prices for bulk purchases. It quickly gained popularity in rural and lower-tier cities, becoming one of China’s largest online retailers by leveraging social commerce and gamification. The platform has played a significant role in transforming digital shopping habits in China, though it has also faced scrutiny over product quality and labor practices.

GAP

The **GAP** (Great American Public) is a well-known American clothing and accessories retailer, founded in 1969 by Donald Fisher and Doris F. Fisher in San Francisco. Originally selling Levi’s jeans and records, it grew into a global fashion brand under its iconic name, **The Gap**, and became famous for its casual, timeless styles like khakis, denim, and basic tees. Over the decades, it expanded into multiple sub-brands like GapKids, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, shaping modern retail fashion.

*(Note: If you meant a different “GAP” (e.g., a geographical or cultural site), please clarify!)*