Sichuan, China (12 October 2022) ——  Budweiser China celebrated another successful year of its Lime Rural Vitalization Project with a lime-picking ceremony in Anyue County, Ziyang City, Sichuan Province. Officials and guests from the local government, academia, and the farming community joined company representatives in celebrating the harvest.

The Budweiser China Lime Rural Vitalization Project saw robust growth in 2022 in terms of harvest as well as industry connectivity. With the planting acreage growing from just 2 hectares to nearly 14 hectares and the average yield up by 33% year-on-year reaching 15 tons per hectare, the Project hit its second-phase yield targets ahead of schedule. In addition, the ceremony saw Budweiser China BU West’s signing of a purchase agreement for 25 thousand kilos of Anyue limes and the unveiling of the “Industry Research Base of College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University." Co-led by Sichuan Agricultural University and Budweiser China, the research base aims to advance lime-growing research that will help drive the development of the industry.

He Zhijie, President of Budweiser China West Business Unit, said, "Budweiser is committed to contributing to the communities where we operate. The Lime Rural Vitalization project presents an effective model where we, as an industry player, meaningfully contribute to rural vitalization while driving the company’s own sustainable development.”

To date, Budweiser China’s Lime Rural Vitalization project has brought the latest agricultural science to over 200 impoverished farmers. It has helped produce and sell nearly 235 tons of lime and increased the per-hectare income by about RMB 1,500. The project further unleashes local economic potential by connecting farmers with Budweiser China’s brand resources.

Wei Jie, member of the Standing Committee of the Anyue County CPC Committee, member of the Anyue County Government Party Group, and Deputy Magistrate of Anyue County, noted, "The Anyue Government attaches great importance to the development of the local lime industry and is committed to cultivating it into a pillar industry of the county. Our strategic partnership with Budweiser China has brought strong economic outcomes. I hope that the collaboration continues in the long term, helping expand the reach of Anyue Lime and drive growth in local industry and economy."

Sichuan faced various natural disasters in 2022. Nonetheless, the strong harvest Anyue lime speaks to the depth, strength, and effectiveness of the partnership formed between local farmers and Budweiser China. From the beginning of the project, the company has worked closely with local farmers, providing cultivation support, irrigation systems and emergency water, and guidance on yield targets when needed.

Budweiser China is dedicated to working hand in hand with the farming communities across China to promote agricultural progress and community development. In addition to the lime project, the company’s lychee project in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province and malting barley initiative in Sheyang, Jiangsu Province also exemplify Budweiser China’s commitment to helping drive rural vitalization.

In the future, Budweiser China will continue to work with multiple stakeholders and contribute to rural vitalization, creating a future with more cheers!