In the Xingtai Suburbs, inside a massive sour jujube processing factory, the scene was one of bustling activity.
A conspicuous sign hung at the factory entrance—Northern Divine Wood Sour Jujube Processing Co., Ltd.
They were one of the largest local sour jujube processing companies and one of the primary participants and instigators in this "Sour Jujube War."
A long line had formed in front of the factory's purchasing station.
Tricycles and small trucks, all loaded with sour jujubes, were waiting to be weighed and unloaded.
The air was filled with the unique, sweet-and-sour smell of sour jujubes.
The company's procurement manager, Xu Bingguo, stood before the scale with his hands on his hips, directing the workers as they unloaded the cargo.
He watched as basket after basket of sour jujubes was poured out, his brow furrowing from time to time.
The quality of the sour jujubes was inconsistent, a mix of unripe green and ripe red ones.
