A batch of citrus fruits was recently peeled, segmented, and packed by robotic arms before being shipped overseas within a few hours at an automated factory of the Zhejiang Taizhou Yiguan Food Co Ltd in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province.

These cans of fruit, rich in flavor and freshness, are finding their way to markets around the world.

As one of China's major processing centers for canned fruit, Taizhou produces one-fifth of the country's total canned citrus exports. Leading the industry, Yiguan exports its products to Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia, supplying ingredients widely used in baking and food preparation. The company has expanded its product line beyond traditional canned citrus, peaches, and loquats, introducing vitamin-enriched fruit jellies and purees aimed at younger consumers.

Maintaining quality for exports is a challenge, as canned fruit production demands fresh ingredients, sterile processing conditions, and strict safety controls. In the past, the company faced hurdles due to limited knowledge of foreign regulations and long customs clearance times that raised costs.

To address this, Taizhou Customs established a team of specialists to help the company improve safety management systems and meet international standards. They also offered tailored guidance on foreign regulations and streamlined customs procedures, including online certificate issuance and fast-track clearance.

Thanks to these efforts, the region exported 26,000 metric tons of canned fruit worth 220 million yuan ($30.7 million) in the first half of the year, up 14.7 percent and 13 percent year-on-year, respectively.