The conclusion of the pineapple production season arrived prematurely this year, accompanied by suboptimal performance attributed to unfavorable weather conditions.
Chen Ruyue, head of the Xuwen MuchSweet Produce Cooperatives in Xuwen County, provided insights into this season's challenges, revealing a nuanced scenario across different segments of the market. Traditional pineapple varieties faced a substantial decline in market prices, whereas certain varieties enjoyed popularity despite limited production, maintaining relatively stable prices overall.
"Frost during the flowering stage inflicted blackheart and black rot on the fruits, leading to persistently low prices throughout the peak sales period from late December to early to mid-April, resulting in widespread losses."
Moreover, March saw the entry of pineapples into the market, yet quality issues such as 'water core' arose due to adverse weather conditions, affecting up to 80% of the produce in some regions. Although prices remained steady, the scarcity of high-quality fruits and disruptions caused by the 'water core' dilemma led to fluctuating prices. Towards the end of the season, around mid-to-late April, pineapple quality improved, with heightened sweetness and the absence of 'water core,' consequently boosting prices and sales, albeit with diminished volume.
Chen attributed the early conclusion of the season to the relatively modest pineapple production and extensive fruit damage incurred during extreme weather episodes, resulting in diminished fruit volume and smaller sizes.
Notably, adverse weather conditions impacted both production and quality, culminating in reduced export volumes compared to previous years. While highlighting existing export destinations like Russia, Central Asia, and the newly added North Korean market, Mr. Chen expressed openness to engaging with more pineapple exporters. Additionally, he disclosed plans to supplement the Chinese market with foreign pineapple imports post the domestic production season. "We welcome more pineapple exporters to contact us."
Transitioning from pineapples, Xuwen lychees have now entered the market, prominently featuring varieties such as Feizixiao and Baitangying. Despite a significant reduction in overall lychee production this year, these varieties have experienced relatively lesser impact. Current prices in the production area hover around ￥40/kg, with recent air shipments to Vancouver underscoring the cooperative's export initiatives.
Seeking collaborations in long-distance transportation and preservation technologies, the cooperative, bearing the brand name "MuchSweet," boasts its own planting base and import-export qualifications for a range of fruits.
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Chen Ruyue