A promotional event for Yantai apples had its inaugural stop in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on Jan 6, a major step in carrying out the fruit's precision marketing.

Following talks between Yantai's well-known enterprises and invited dealers from Hangzhou many contracts were signed.

Currently there are 63 leading fruit enterprises with annual sales exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.47 million) in Yantai, three of which are listed. By cooperating with Hangzhou's franchisers, Yantai's fruit companies will meet more development opportunities.

The name, "pingguo" (apple) implicates happiness and peace in Chinese. During the promotion event, baskets of Yantai apples were given to Hangzhou residents to wish them a happy and fortunate new year.

Jointly organized by the information office of the Yantai government and the city's agricultural bureau, the event also aimed to recommend Yantai, the coastal gem set in the northeastern Shandong province, to Hangzhou residents to attract investment and tourists.

The Yantai apple is a golden brand of Chinese fruit and a highlight of Yantai agriculture products.

Since apples were introduced into Yantai in 1871, China has become the largest apple producing and consuming country in the world. After continuous technological innovation, variety improvement, quality upgrading and brand building, the Yantai apple has not only dominated the domestic market but also taken the lead in China's apple industry.

The unique maritime climate and superior geographical location contribute to the high quality of Yantai apples, which feature red color and are crisp and sweet.

The Yantai apple was the only apple brand served during last year's G20 Hangzhou Summit.