Have you ever wondered about the remarkable journey of Xinjiang's delicate white apricots from orchard to table? In the picturesque Luntai County, these prized fruits ripen abundantly every June, but their path to consumers nationwide faces significant logistical challenges. The region's signature white apricots boast a unique flavor profile and over 1,400 years of cultivation history, yet their extremely short harvesting window and rapid spoilage at room temperature create formidable distribution barriers.
Building a New Logistics Ecosystem for National Distribution
Since 2016, SF Express has invested heavily in this production region, developing a 3,000-kilometer transportation corridor to bring fresh white apricots to market. Leveraging its extensive logistics network and technological capabilities, SF established an efficient system featuring sorting centers, collection points, and automated equipment to ensure rapid delivery from farm to consumer.
In Luntai County, a new 1,000-square-meter sorting center and 11 collection points have eliminated traditional bottlenecks. Automated packing machines and smart devices now accelerate processing times, with industry experts noting that SF's dedicated channel transports over 2,500 metric tons of white apricots annually to markets across China.
Precision Supply Chain Management for Optimal Freshness
Recognizing the fruit's extreme perishability, SF implemented specialized cold chain solutions and digital tracking systems to maintain quality control throughout the journey. Since late May this year, daily shipments have exceeded 42,000 parcels, significantly reducing consumer wait times.
The company's direct-to-destination routing in major urban areas avoids unnecessary handling, while multimodal transport combining cargo aircraft, high-speed rail, and refrigerated trucks creates multiple safeguards for timely delivery.
Rural Revitalization Through Agricultural Innovation
SF's initiative extends beyond apricot distribution, serving as a model for rural economic development. The company has established dedicated agricultural product lines that also benefit Yunnan cherries, Zhejiang bayberries, and other regional specialties. With 100,000 rural service platforms nationwide supporting over 4,000 agricultural products, SF has become a key driver of China's rural revitalization strategy.
The white apricot's success story demonstrates how logistics innovation can transform local produce into nationally recognized premium products while increasing farmer incomes.
Future Outlook: Expanding Rural Economic Opportunities
As SF marks a decade of its "Express to Rural Areas" initiative, the company continues developing new partnership models to support rural economies. The white apricot project exemplifies how integrated logistics solutions can create viable pathways for specialty agricultural products to reach broader markets.
This case study offers valuable insights for consumers and industry participants alike, showcasing how strategic logistics investments can paint a brighter future for China's rural communities.
