Nansha boosts sugarcane sales with union support

More than 175 metric tons of locally grown fruit sugarcane had been purchased across Guangzhou's Nansha district by March 18, as trade unions stepped up efforts to support cane growers and bring the crop to more consumers.

Nansha district Federation of Trade Unions also bought 20,000 kilograms of fresh sugarcane in bulk. It distributed it to frontline workers and people in new forms of employment, turning a seasonal farm product into a gesture of care.

Beyond direct purchases, Nansha has sought to widen sugarcane's appeal through both marketing and culinary innovation. Trade unions encouraged grassroots organizations to include sugarcane in annual employee welfare and consumption-support programs, while local livestreamers helped promote sales online. At a job fair held at Nansha Wanda Plaza, complimentary sugarcane drinks were offered to job seekers.

Fruit sugarcane grows tall in Nansha's fields. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

A rural tourism route featuring sugarcane harvesting was also launched, drawing more than 100 workers into the fields to experience cane cutting and bundling, contributing to increased sales.

Chefs from local hotels and Nansha District Catering Industry Trade Union Federation were invited to develop new Cantonese-style dishes centered on sugarcane. Their culinary creations included stir-fried diced chicken infused with sugarcane juice and nuts, a spicy and sour squid featuring spring chives and sugarcane, sweet glutinous rice balls filled with locally sourced red sweet potato and crispy spring rolls stuffed with Nansha shrimp and sugarcane pieces.

Crispy spring rolls stuffed with Nansha shrimp and sugarcane pieces. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

The campaign has linked farms, kitchens, and consumers through a single, locally sourced ingredient.