Chongqing - Showcasing one of China’s most famous local delicacies, the pickled mustard tuber known as Fuling Zhacai, and unveiling its official global name in five languages, the 8th World’s Fair of the Fuling Zhacai Industry will be held in Chongqing from Feb. 6–8.

Products of Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group. (Photo/Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group)

According to the Fuling District government, the expo will unveil the official English, Arabic, French, Russian, and Spanish translations of "Fuling Zhacai," marking the first time a unified multilingual global name has been formally introduced. Organizers say the move is aimed at supporting the product's international branding as exports continue to expand.

The expo will feature five major activities, including a brand forum, supply-chain trade talks, and technology showcases. Officials said new products such as freeze-dried zhacai snacks will be introduced, alongside applications of data-driven farming systems referred to locally as the "zhacai industry brain."

Fuling Zhacai is currently sold in 86 countries and regions, local officials said. The product entered overseas markets in 1930 and is praised with European pickled cucumbers and German sauerkraut as the world's "three famous pickles".

Dong Yifeng, mayor of the People's Government of Fuling District, described the industry as one built on more than a century of production history while increasingly integrating modern technology and international standards.

Geographically, Fuling sits at about 30 degrees north latitude, as a part of China's golden agricultural belt. The confluence of the Yangtze and Wu rivers creates a humid climate and selenium-rich purple soil, conditions suited for growing Tumorous Stem Mustard, the vegetable used to make Fuling Zhacai. The production process involves multiple stages, including salting, pressing and fermentation.

The intelligent production line of Chongqing Fuling Zhacai Group. (Photo/Fuling District)

The industry is also positioned as a pillar of rural revitalization. The district reports 740,000 mu (about 49,333 hectares) of mustard tuber cultivation, with an annual output of 1.9 million tons. About 160,000 farming households are involved, and the total value of the full industrial chain reached 16 billion yuan (about U.S. dollars 2.3 billion).

Efforts are also focused on overseas expansion. Authorities are encouraging companies to obtain certifications such as U.S. FDA approval and halal certification, while strengthening trademark registrations abroad. As of now, several Fuling Zhacai brands have secured market access or trademarks in more than 80 countries and regions.