In recent years, significant changes have taken place in the variety type of Citrus cultivars in China, which has profoundly impacted the Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) medicinal materials. Except for Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’, the cultivated varieties of the primary botanical source of traditional Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium have seen a severe decline in cultivation, leading to an insufficient supply of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium medicinal materials. Consequently, peels derived from Citrus aurantium, Citrus sinensis, and other related species, collectively referred to as “Za Chenpi”, have entered the market and become the predominant commodity. This shift has a serious impact on the safety of clinical medication and the healthy development of the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry. Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium are widely distributed and serve both medicinal and culinary purposes. The development of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry plays an important role in driving and leading the development of China’s traditional Chinese medicine industry and rural revitalization. However, except for C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ which has successfully transformed from a single agricultural product into a billion-yuan industry, the broader Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry currently faces multiple challenges, including a broken chain in the cultivation sector, the use of “Za Chenpi” as a substitute in manufacturing, insufficient exploration of its health value as a food-medicine dual-purpose substance, a lack of innovation in product development, and inadequate expansion of the service sector. This article provides a systematic review of the historical origin and research progress of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium. In response to the challenges facing the industry, and using the development model of C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ as a benchmark, this study propose strategic recommendations for Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry from multiple perspectives, including base construction, quality assurance, technology empowerment, product innovation, brand building, and integrated whole-industry-chain development. The aim is to provide decision-making support for the high-quality development of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium  /  Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’  /  Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium medicinal materials  /  Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry  /  development strategy