1994: Vegetable farmers strike back

Chapter 463 Another New Guest Arrives

Chen Jiazhi left his office and retrieved yesterday's supply list to Hong Kong. The list contained approximately 65 tons of various vegetables, representing a significant increase of over 50% compared to Tong Hing Tai's daily sales of 40 tons in the previous period.

Chen Jiazhi remembers that at its peak, Tongxingtai had a daily sales record of nearly 100 tons.

But that was when the market was extremely short of vegetables, stall number 63 had not yet been established, and Jiangxin Vegetable Market only had one market channel for supplying Hong Kong.

With reliable fresh food channels now available and no shortage of vegetables in the market, Tongxingtaineng's daily sales of 65 tons is already a very impressive figure, proving that Xia Youche has done its best.

With a stable market share of over 10% in Hong Kong's leafy green vegetable market, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Chen Jiazhi examined the details of the list.

Choy sum, kale, mustard greens, lettuce, romaine lettuce, bok choy, Shanghai bok choy... the price of each vegetable is generally 3 to 5 cents per kilogram higher than the price at the stall.

Uh... if Tongxingtai doesn't adjust its prices this time, the price difference will be 5-7 cents per jin.

For example, the price of bok choy at Tongxingtai is still 45 yuan per piece, while at stall number 63 it is 25 yuan per piece, a difference of 7 mao per jin.

Chen Jiazhi wasn't actually worried that Xia Youche would overstep his bounds because of the price difference.

He could tell that Xia Youche was deliberately using this opportunity to show goodwill, intending to make Tongxingtai earn less money in return for helping Tongxingtai win over a high-quality customer in Hong Kong last time.

Moreover, Kaopu Fresh has recently strengthened its quality control management, and Xia Youche should be able to feel the change in vegetable quality.

As long as the quality remains consistently excellent, the most profitable high-end customers will remain a stable source of revenue.

Overall, Tongxingtai will at least not suffer a loss.

Chen Jiazhi accepted this kindness.

He also prepared a gift for Tong Hing Tai: a modified version of lettuce, but Chen Jiazhi will not release it for another two months.

In this way, the daily revenue from supplying Hong Kong to Hop Lee Farm will still be HK$16 to HK$17, providing a stronger guarantee for the market.

In addition to the mainland market and the output of Jiangxin Vegetable Market, Kaopu Fresh's daily revenue in the Pearl River Delta is still close to 30 yuan.

For ordinary vegetable markets, the profit margin is also quite considerable.

This is the benefit of doing thorough preliminary work.

For example, market research can make the distribution of vegetable categories on Kaopu Fresh more reasonable. For vegetables with low market supply, Kaopu Fresh will have more, and for vegetables with high market supply, Kaopu Fresh will have less. This way, they can sell quickly and at relatively high prices.

Secondly, there's the matter of craftsmanship and quality. Although some output was sacrificed, the overall market competitiveness has become stronger.

Putting down the list in his hand, Chen Jiazhi brewed himself another cup of strong tea.

He then took out the quality standard system drafted by the technical department for revision, which he had been revising intermittently for three days.

Fang Xuelin was in his thirties at the time, had a secondary vocational school diploma, and had worked at the plant protection station for several years.

They have work experience and the ability to learn.

The basic framework of the "Reliable Fresh Vegetable Base Planting Guide", "Reliable Fresh Vegetable Pollution-Free Vegetable Enterprise Standard", and "Reliable Fresh Vegetable Green Organic Cultivation Model" compiled by the organization is sound.

It is evident that he also had in-depth communication with the various farm managers, listing out the vegetables that the farms had previously grown and the various models.

For example, in the cultivation of snow peas using raised beds, it was specifically mentioned that the raised beds should run east-west to facilitate photosynthesis in the middle and lower parts of the vines, thereby increasing yield.

There are also detailed lists of pollination methods for chicken leg kale, cucumbers, and loofahs, as well as crop rotation planning... and so on.

He even saw the potential for a "take a gamble, and your bicycle could become a motorcycle".

"It looks like this is not only a quality standard system, but also a case study."

After thinking about it, Chen Jiazhi decided to extract this part of the case studies and circulate it only among core personnel.

After all, this is all valuable information.

He also saw information about pesticide residue standards in Western countries, and Fang Xuelin specifically noted the source of the information.

In Japan, the supplies were provided by partner companies such as Seika Co., Ltd.

Some of the information was verified by the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.

Chen Jiazhi noted here: The policies of importing countries are subject to change at any time, and information needs to be obtained through the internet, newspapers, personal networks, and relevant trade fairs.

After taking a sip of tea, Chen Jiazhi added: "It would be best to obtain information directly from the customers."

The information regarding the importing country's policies is very important.

With China's vegetable exports increasing rapidly and events such as its accession to the WTO, tariff barriers for agricultural exports will gradually evolve into technical barriers.

Simply put, it means shifting from taxation to factors such as pesticide residue and antibiotic testing.

In the early stages of the transformation, many domestic vegetable companies found it difficult to adapt.

If Kaopu Fresh can adapt to new trends and changes in advance, it will greatly benefit its rapid accumulation of customers and expansion of exports.

In addition, there are equipment for detecting pesticide residues and antibiotics.

Fang Xuelin chose to import from Japan, and contacted the equipment manufacturer through the channels of Qingguo Company.

Another advantage of importing equipment from Japan is that if the Japanese cause trouble in the future, the equipment company can be used for public relations efforts.

"Fang Xuelin's considerations are quite comprehensive."

No one is perfect, and only a technical researcher like Fang Xuelin could achieve this level of success; he must have put in a lot of effort.

Chen Jiazhi believed that he had the ability to manage a business, so he immediately called Jiangxin Vegetable Market.

Fang Xuelin arrived in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

"Old Fang, I've reviewed the quality standard system. It's well done. I've marked the parts that need modification."

I'm planning to move you from a technical position to a management position. You'll be in charge of both the technical department and the testing center. Any questions about that?

"No problem, boss."

Knowing that this was an opportunity for promotion and a raise, Fang Xuelin agreed without hesitation.

Having worked at the company for almost two years, he knew how fast the company was developing; it wasn't just taking one step a year, but rather climbing three or five steps at a time.

Chen Jiazhi added, "Okay, you should focus on the quality standard system in the near future. For the testing equipment, buy the set recommended by Qingguo Company. I will have the purchasing department assist you."

As for the nursery, I will have Ji Song take over your position, and you two will make sure the handover is clear.

Fang Xuelin agreed.

Chen Jiazhi then handed the revised document to the clerk to print out, and then sent it to Fang Xuelin via fax.

This method is rather troublesome. Chen Jiazhi wanted to send it directly via computer, but he didn't know how, and no one in the company did either.

After finishing these matters, Chen Jiazhi checked the time; it was already past nine in the morning. He felt a bit tired as soon as he relaxed.

When Li Xiu was found in the sorting workshop, she was still busy counting documents.

Chen Jiazhi walked over and said, "Xiu, these can all be handled by professionals. Go back and rest."

Li Xiu didn't even look up. "I'll do what you're doing and do random checks on a portion of them."

Seeing that she was engrossed in watching, Chen Jiazhi turned around and went to the cold storage to get some lychees. He ate one himself and Li Xiu ate one.

After waiting a while, Li Xiucai finished reading and said, "Let's go, Jiazhi, go back to sleep."

Chen Jiazhi peeled another lychee for her. "You still know what sleepiness is?"

Li Xiu rolled her eyes. "I learned this from you. Seeing how tired you are, I felt embarrassed to slack off."

Chen Jiazhi feigned surprise, "Wow, you can blame me for this? I never said you did less work, I'm not taking the blame for this."

As they approached the car door, Li Xiu suddenly asked, "Jiazhi, have you had breakfast yet?"

"It's good that you remembered," Chen Jiazhi said. "Li Cai brought me rice noodle rolls when he came back. I've already eaten them. Look at you, you're so sleepy. You're not allowed to stay up late tonight."

"Jiazhi, I feel like the delivery business hasn't been affected by the financial crisis. Apart from the prices being a bit lower, business seems to be getting better and better." "I've put so much effort into this, shouldn't I? I told you not to stay up so late anymore, and you've got dark circles under your eyes."

"Aren't you enduring it too?"

"I'm used to working day and night in reverse."

"I remember when we first got married, you loved to sleep in so late that you couldn't be woken up even if I kicked you."

"You said it was in the past."

"I can stay up all night too."

"No."

"Jiazhi, you can't stay up late either."

"Hey Xiu, do you think I could possibly not stay up late?"

"You're the boss, you make the decisions, of course you don't have to work overtime."

"..."

They bickered all the way, and Chen Jiazhi was no longer sleepy while driving, but he felt that Li Xiu wasn't listening to him as much anymore.

What's so good about staying up late?

Chen Jiazhi suddenly thought about having a second child, since Dou Dou was almost old enough to go to kindergarten.

...

From the Jade Vegetable Market.

The air pressure is a bit low.

Yang Jianzun stayed in the office for a long time. After a while, Liu Yunfan came in with a fax document. His body language revealed his anxiety.

"Chairman, the customer is still unwilling to pay the remaining balance."

Yang Jianzun snatched the document, glanced at it, and asked, "What about the others?"

Liu Yunfan pursed his lips and said, "We can't get in touch with them."

Yang Jianzun glared at him fiercely, "Can't get in touch?!"

Liu Yunfan nodded slowly, then said hesitantly, "According to the information I've gathered, three clients have gone bankrupt, two have absconded, and two others have been claiming that the vegetables don't meet the contract requirements..."

Things gradually deteriorated, and the power of the financial crisis exceeded everyone's expectations.

If Yang Jian were given another chance, he would rather switch to domestic sales sooner, even if it meant slow, gradual losses, than be stabbed in the back again.

That was a very vicious strike.

The sudden change in exchange rates threw vegetable exports into chaos, resulting not only in a drop in export prices and a decrease in orders, but also in the inability to receive payment for many previously agreed-upon transactions.

Foreign laws impose severe penalties, so most companies don't dare to act recklessly.

But if they've already gone bankrupt and run away, why would they be afraid of legal punishment?
Yang Jianzun knew that some money was unrecoverable, which caused serious losses to the market and would also create disastrous problems for its future operation.

At this moment, he hated Liu Yunfan in front of him. If it weren't for Liu Yunfan's strong persuasion, he might have already switched to domestic sales.

"Liu Yunfan, you're fired."

“I…I…”

"Explanations are useless. Everyone knows that you were the one who championed exports, and you signed the most orders from Southeast Asia."

Liu Yunfan originally wanted to try to contact them more often, hoping to recover more payments.

However, what good would it do to get some money back?
Today, those who follow Southeast Asia know that this financial crisis is far from over.

It might even affect Hong Kong.

Trying to fight it again will only bring shame upon yourself.

Liu Yunfan was devastated, feeling like a stray dog ​​that had been kicked out of the house, a stark contrast to his initial enthusiasm when he joined Congyu.

He couldn't help but recall the high spirits he had when he called Fang Shaohua a few months ago.

"Fang Shaohua, you'll regret this sooner or later, hehehe~"

Liu Yunfan's laughter startled passersby who were also waiting for the bus, and they all moved away.

He didn't care at all, still thinking that Fang Shaohua was probably laughing at him in Shanghai right now.

Liu Yunfan's departure did not resolve Congyu's predicament; instead, it made the atmosphere even more somber.

How much money is left in the account?

"Chairman, there's still over a million left."

Yang Jianzun's question was quickly answered by the finance department: "But several suppliers are pressing for payment, and the production department is also urging us to buy pesticides, as it's currently the peak season for pests and diseases. In addition, this month is almost over, and we still need to pay salaries..."

One after another, things that would cost money were looming ahead.

When exports generate stable cash flow, these are minor issues for Congyu.

Now that these issues have accumulated, even if they don't kill Congyu, they will severely hinder its development.

To alleviate financial pressure, Yang Jianzun reluctantly chose to drastically reduce prices in Hong Kong to increase sales, and then sought to expand the market in mainland China.

That evening, Yang Jianzun appeared at the Jiangnan Market.

Since becoming chairman, he hasn't sold vegetables at the wholesale market for a long time, but his experience remains.

When he saw the vegetable vendor dressed in a shirt, trousers, and leather shoes, he couldn't help but mutter a scathing critique.

"No wonder sales haven't improved after so many days!"

"Judging by your attire, are you here at the market for a blind date?"

The price of vegetables from Congyu is not cheap compared to the average market price, but Yang Jianzun believes that the quality of Congyu is worth the price.

Just like a phoenix and a chicken, even if a phoenix enters a chicken coop, it is still a phoenix.

It just seems that not many people are buying into it.

Many people turned and left after hearing the price, while others left behind words of contempt.

"Are you still dreaming? I'd be better off spending this price on you and adding a little more to buy from number 63!"

Yang Jianzun felt the name sounded familiar, and then asked the salesperson, "Does stall number 63 also sell bok choy?"

The salesperson nodded and said, "Stall number 63 is the stall of Kaopu Fresh, and it's also the stall that sells leafy vegetables at the highest prices in the entire market."

As soon as Yang Jianzun approached slot number 63, he sensed something different.

The tricycles loaded with goods came and went in an endless stream, and the trucks were full of people unloading goods. Business was booming, somewhat like the scene in his dream.

Although there were many people inside the stall, it was clear that it was very clean and orderly.

"Boss, what kind of vegetables do you want to buy? We have samples here, everything is on display."

Yang Jianzun had only been standing by the stall for a moment when he heard someone calling him from the cashier's table. He looked up and was slightly taken aback. Do all vegetable vendors have to be this handsome now?
At the cashier's table stood two men: one was handsome with a slightly dark complexion; the other, pressing a calculator, was also well-dressed and had a distinguished appearance.

Yang Jianzun walked over. Although the so-called samples were of excellent quality, the quantity was small. In Yang Jianzun's experience, this did not prove anything.

However, when he looked around, he only saw people serving the food, but no open dishes.

"Could you open the box and take a look at the contents?"

"Sure, of course."

Chen Jiazhi got excited; it had been a long time since he'd had a customer wanting to inspect goods, which meant a new customer was coming!
(End of this chapter)