Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 17, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Linda Waring, Washington State Department of Agriculture, 360-902-1815

Gov. Gary Locke Awards Washington Apple Importer in China

Gov. Gary Locke promoted Washington apples during his international trade mission to China this week, presenting Liang Guojian of Shun Feng Trading Company an award for winning the Guangzhou Apple Importer’s Contest. His company imported 10,029 boxes of Washington apples during the contest month of September.

The award presentation took place at the Li Shui Fresh Fruit Market in Guangzhou, China. Locke also recognized Li Shui Market and other apple importers at the event for their role in making China the world’s third largest export market for Washington apples.

“I am glad to see firsthand the success of our apples here in China," Locke said. “As producer of more than half of all the apples grown in the United States, it is vital to our state’s economy to continue sales in foreign markets.”

Accompanying the governor at the event were Valoria Loveland, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Tracy King, export director for the Washington Apple Commission.

“Although China is the world’s largest producer of apples, last year China bought 1.7 million cartons of Washington apples, at a value of more than $25 million,” Loveland said. “Our sales are further proof that Washington produces the world’s best agricultural products.”

King said, “Washington apple growers are grateful for Governor Locke’s help in this ultra competitive environment. The governor’s popularity in China has given us a big jump on our competitors.”

The Washington Apple Commission sponsors the Guangzhou Apple Importer’s Contest. It is one of many events the commission sponsors to promote import sales of Washington apples in China.

Buyers from throughout China purchase fruit at Li Shui Market, the largest handler of imported fruit in China. Li Shui Market is the key entry point for Washington apples in China, and the place where they compete against apples from France, China, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa. Hundreds of 40-foot containers of apples arrive at the market from all over the world everyday.

# # #

Editor’s Note: Photos of Locke’s visit to the Li Shui Market are available by contacting the Governor’s Communications Office at 360-902-4136.

Related Links: www.governor.wa.gov; www.agr.wa.gov

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive