The new season of Sanya papaya is now on the market, and the production season lasts from early December to the end of May next year. It is understood that due to abundant rain this year, papayas have sufficient moisture and are slow to accumulate sugar. The initial quality did not meet the market standards. Therefore, the production area delayed the launching for ten days to ensure that the quality and sugar content reached the specific standards of Sanya papaya before picking. The Brix of Sanya papaya currently sold is over 13.
It is understood that Sanya papaya has achieved a large-scale variety replacement of 95% this year, from the original Zhongbai to the Daqing variety. The Sanya papayas on the market this season are mainly the Daqing variety. "The planting stability of the new varieties is high, and the output this season has achieved an increase of 20%. In addition, the Daqing variety is normally big. After three years of improving the planting methods, the Daqing papayas produced are smaller than normal. It is more in line with market demand." said Mr. Xian Luochao, from Hainan Yiyuan Fruit Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
To protect the quality of papaya and the reasonable interests of growers, the local papaya association in Sanya has unified the pricing at the origin and the supply price at the sales-end to avoid price confusion among various companies. "The end-retail price of papaya in Sanya is ￥68/2.5kg and ￥89/4kg. There is also a protective price for the market from the origin. The overall price has not changed much from last year, and the current market demand is stable," according to Chairman Wang of the local papaya association in Sanya, the current papaya planting area in Sanya is about 200 hectares, of which 80%-90% is growing based on the orders.
Talking about the market response, Mr. Xian said: "Compared to other bulk fruits, papaya is relatively niche. Although the fruit market demand is relatively weak this year, it has little impact on papaya. In terms of variety performance, the original variety Zhongbai is more suitable for making soup, while the new variety Daqing is a papaya fruit that can be eaten fresh and has a higher sweetness, so it is popular in the market. Sanya papaya also has the advantage of off-season sales, and current market feedback and sales are generally satisfactory."
"After the variety iteration of Sanya papaya, we need to focus on the safety of the new varieties. The Association will cooperate with scientific research institutions in the next step to purify the seedlings and detect viruses to enable their healthy development."
Hainan Yiyuan Fruit Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. has its papaya base of over 113 hectares, and its brand name is "Yiyuanguo". Sales channels include wholesale markets, supermarkets, chain stores, and e-commerce.