This is the time when Chinese kiwis enter the market in large volumes. In some production areas the early-season varieties like Hongyang [red sun] have already been on the market for some time, while mid-season varieties such as Xuxiang [gentle aroma] and Cuixiang [emerald aroma] also approach the end of their harvest season. The harvest of late-season varieties such as Huangjin [yellow gold], Jinyan [golden splendor], and Hayward has also begun. What are the kiwi market conditions? How will the market develop?
Kiwis
Low price, high price, like a "roller coaster"
The Shaanxi kiwi production volume decreased by one third because of cold weather earlier this year. The previously low price suddenly increased. The price of Xuxiang, for example, was around 3 yuan [0.44 USD] per 0.5 kg in early September, but rose to 4 yuan [0.59 USD] per 0.5 kg during Mid-Autumn Festival and the National Day holiday period. Still, the price is 1 yuan [0.15 USD] lower than it was in the same period last year. Not only did the price increase in major kiwi production areas in Mei County, Shaanxi, but visiting buyers fought to secure supply.
Price still lower than last year
The kiwi supply is growing, but the price is still lower than it was last year. The early-season red heart kiwis from Sichuan, for example, are 20% cheaper than last year. Xuxiang kiwis from Shaanxi are 30% cheaper than last year.
Kiwis
There are three reasons why the price of kiwis is lower this year than it was last year. First, although traditional kiwi plantations suffered from natural disasters and their production volume decreased, new production areas increased production, so that the overall production volume remained stable. Second, there is a shortage of top-quality kiwis in the market as a result of both natural disasters and a lack of management technology in kiwi plantations. The price of low-quality fruit is obviously not high. Most important, however, the kiwi market has not been in great condition for the last two years. The price was higher than necessary. The price this year signifies a return to reasonable levels.
Source: Agricultural Science and Technology Newspaper