Jingning is China's largest apple-producing county in terms of large-scale cultivation, with more than 66,700 hectares of orchards. Its apples hold national geographical indication status and are covered by the China-EU mutual GI protection agreement.

"This batch is expected to arrive in Kathmandu by Feb 10," said He Penghu, head of Long Yuanhong Fruits Selling Co. He said the company expects its export volume to grow 15 percent year-on-year in 2026.

Ren said the county plans to maintain sales in established destinations while seeking buyers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East as it works to expand its reach abroad.