It is expected that the retail price of mandarin oranges would increase this year, despite significantly lower shipping cost. Last year, the shipping cost for a container with refrigeration was at US$7,200 (RM31,500); this year, it has dropped to US$4,200 (RM18,370).
However, larger varieties of mandarin oranges are being sold between RM15 and RM20 per kg, while the smaller and lower-grade varieties were offered at between RM8 and RM13 per kg. The most popular among the larger varieties are the ‘Lukan’, prized for its succulence and sweetness, and also the ‘Ponkam’, which is imported from Taiwan.
The mandarin orange is regarded as one of many auspicious items in the Chinese culture, in which it symbolizes abundance and happiness. That is why the exchange of a pair of mandarin oranges between a visitor and his host is seen to signify the wish of exchanging blessings and good fortunes during the Chinese New Year.
[ RM1 = € 0.21 ]
Source: theborneopost.com
