Recently, a large truck carrying 60 boxes totaling 1,200 kilograms of Hengyang Fish Balls departed from Hengyang City, Hunan Province and arrived at Guangzhou after a 15-hour journey. The fish balls were then shipped to the European Union, and served on the dining tables overseas.

“For overseas residents, Hengyang Fish Balls are a nostalgic dish. Whenever I visit Hengyang, I always bring back several bags of fish balls. It used to be difficult to find Hengyang Fish Balls overseas, but now that they are exported, it’s much more convenient for us to purchase them,” said a European Union customer.

Hengyang Fish Balls differ from the traditional round fish balls commonly found in the market and instead have a shuttle-like shape.

Renowned for their unique appearance and taste, Hengyang Fish Balls are an indispensable dish for birthdays, celebrations, and festivals among the locals. The history of making fish balls in Hengyang is long-standing, and the local government is focusing on promoting this “nostalgic dish” as a local specialty to expand its market.

Hengyang Boge Modern Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. is the largest fish ball production company in Hengyang. According to Zhou Bo, the company’s chairman, Hengyang Fish Balls are made from large yellow-skinned grass carp.

They are boneless and have a deliciously chewy texture, making them a geographic indication product of Hengyang. The company has improved the production process of Hengyang Fish Balls, preserving their original flavor while making them suitable for large-scale industrial production and ensuring their freshness and quality.

Currently, Hengyang Fish Balls have been approved to use the trademark of the “National Geographic Indication Product” and their production techniques have been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage project in Hengyang City’s Zhuhui District.

“Freshly cooked fish balls are smooth, tender and white as fat. The freshness of grass carp, the fragrance of scallions and ginger, and the smooth egg whites create a truly delicious taste,” said diners.

In recent years, local companies have actively participated in agricultural product exhibitions, actively promoting Hengyang Fish Balls.

At the same time, they have established the Douyin livestreaming bases and collaborated with internet celebrities to promote sales through livestreaming. The product has gained popularity among customers.

This export to the European Union is the first time that Boge Modern Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. has sold its fish balls overseas. “We hope that overseas Chinese can taste Hengyang Fish Balls and find memories of their hometown,” Zhou Bo explained.

Currently, the company has supported 129 entrepreneurs, and created jobs for 280 people, with an annual sales revenue of 20 million yuan.