In the lush hills of Guangxi, Guilin GFS Monk Fruit Corp. has rewritten its survival playbook in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. As the world's largest exporter of monk fruit—a natural sweetener gaining global popularity—the company once hinged 100% of its fortunes on U.S. buyers. "Putting all your fruit in one basket became too risky," CEO Lan Fusheng told KhabarAsia, reflecting on trade tensions that reshaped his business strategy.
From Vulnerability to Resilience
Five years ago, Lan initiated a bold pivot: courting clients from Southeast Asia to Europe while developing value-added products like organic extracts. Today, the company supplies 1,600 partners across 54 countries, with U.S. sales now accounting for less than half of revenue. "Diversification isn't just about geography—it's about understanding varying consumer needs," Lan explained, noting customized packaging and certification strategies for different markets.
Weathering the Storm
While acknowledging the "complex challenges" faced by Chinese exporters during recent trade disputes, Lan expressed confidence in adaptive strategies: "China's agricultural sector is innovating rapidly. Our focus on sustainable farming and R&D keeps us competitive globally." Industry analysts highlight such shifts as emblematic of broader trends in Asian agribusiness, where digital supply chains and market intelligence are becoming critical tools.
