This study analyzes the dynamics of China’s fruit industry using a range of analytical tools, including the location Gini coefficient, industry concentration ratio, spatial autocorrelation index, specialization index, and the industry gravity model. It explores the industry’s evolving characteristics and trends since the economic reforms, culminating in a trajectory map that highlights shifts in the industry’s gravitational center. This study also offers a qualitative analysis of the factors influencing the agglomeration and relocation of fruit production centers. The findings show a steady increase in both total output and yields per unit area within China’s fruit industry over time. Although the overall degree of agglomeration has decreased, regional agglomeration effects remain significant. Furthermore, the data reveal significant spatial autocorrelation in fruit production, indicating a long-term westward shift in core production areas. Different geographic areas exhibit varying levels of gradational shifts, with marked differences in production concentration patterns across different fruit types. This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding production agglomeration, integrating interdisciplinary methods from statistics and geography.

Purpose: This study systematically reviews the concept, evolutionary stages, key research areas, performance measurement, and influencing factors of agricultural supply chains (ASCs), aiming to identify sustainable optimization pathways and future research directions. Design/methodology/approach: This study utilizes information visualization software VOSviewer (version 1.6.20), bibliometric analysis software HistCite and social network analysis software Pajek to perform a bibliometric and textual analysis of 3,722 articles related to ASCs, published between 1995 and 2024 in the Web of Science (WOS) database. Findings: This study systematically explores the development of ASCs in the context of the four industrial revolutions and the current state of agricultural development. It identifies four distinct stages in the evolution of ASCs: mechanization, heavy industrialization, precision and smart transformation. Furthermore, a keyword analysis of 3,722 articles related to ASCs reveals that, since 2007, research has predominantly focused on four key areas: the definition of concepts, performance measurement, influencing factors and pathways for improvement. A more in-depth analysis of 40 highly cited papers reveals that research hotspots primarily fall into four main categories. Originality/value: This study thoroughly explores key research topics within ASCs, focusing on future research directions from the perspectives of three key stakeholders – farmers, businesses and consumers. Additionally, the study takes a comprehensive approach to examine the development trends of sustainable ASCs. The findings provide both theoretical support and practical guidance for achieving the sustainable development of ASCs, offering valuable insights and actionable strategic recommendations for policymakers, business leaders and the academic community. This research holds significant academic value and practical relevance.