Yantai is one of the two major apple industry belts in the country, and is the earliest place for Western apple cultivation in China. For more than 140 years, Yantai Apple has been well-known in China and abroad for its "correct shape, bright color, sweet and crisp flesh, and strong aroma". Yantai is located at 36.2°N latitude in the east of Shandong Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides, hilly landforms, and the soil is rich in minerals. The temperature difference between day and night is moderate, with the characteristics of "late spring, cool summer, cool autumn, and not cold winter". The "small environment" and "microclimate" formed by these superior natural endowments are the best choice for the growth and quality of apples. In 2002, "Yantai Apple" was protected by the National Geographical Indication Product, in 2008, "Yantai Apple" was registered with the National Geographical Indication Certification Mark, and in 2011, "Yantai Apple" was awarded as a well-known trademark in China. The city's apple cultivation area is 2.82 million acre, with an output of more than 5.7 million tons. Apple exports have gradually expanded from Southeast Asia and Russia to more than 60 countries and regions including the United States, South Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and the European Union.

There are more than 2,000 fruit storage and processing enterprises in Yantai, 48 leading fruit enterprises with sales revenue of more than RMB100 million, 1,348 fruit storage warehouses with a storage capacity of 4.07 million tons, and the annual supply of apples has been achieved. There are nearly 20 fruit companies have passed the GAP certification. Yantai apple spot check pass rate reached 100%, in the whole province's fruit quality and safety supervision and random inspection.