An experienced vinegar maker talks about the product at a plant in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A batch of matured vinegar valued $12,000 started its way to Chile from Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Thursday. It was the province's first export of matured vinegar to South America.

The vinegar will exit from Fuzhou port in Fujian province and then be transported to Chile.

A batch of matured vinegar valued $12,000 begins its journey to Chile from Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanxi vinegar is made from sorghum, barley and other raw materials. It is one of the four best-known kinds of Chinese vinegar.

Local products in the province have won increasing recognition in both the domestic and international markets.

"Shanxi vinegar belongs to the province, the nation and the whole world," said Xu Junfeng, manager of the international trade department of Shanxi Mature Vinegar Group. "We will make all efforts to pass down this treasure of our nation."