Merchants report that the fruit market has been weak recently, with some fruits in the early production stages not yet available in large quantities. The primary reasons cited are insufficient market demand and slow sales.
South African sweet oranges have entered the market, selling at around ￥130-￥140 per piece, with some batches priced below ￥100 per piece. Overall, the market is sluggish. Merchants attribute this to the lower-than-expected quality of early arrivals and the low price of Egyptian oranges (mostly ￥50-￥60 per piece), which have jointly impacted the initial market performance of South African sweet oranges. It is anticipated that the market may improve once the quality of subsequent arrivals stabilizes.
Left: Australian oranges; Right: South African grapefruits.
The price of South African grapefruits remains steady from last week at about ￥110 per piece. Merchants indicate that this price has hit a low point, driven by low demand rather than large arrivals. South African lemon prices are generally stable, with expectations of a price reduction next month.
Australian oranges are maintaining strong prices. The overall quality of current arrivals is reported to be good, with increasing sweetness.
Chilean Ambrosia and New Zealand Rose apples.
Among imported apples, Chilean Ambrosia and New Zealand Rose apples are currently priced lower than in previous years. Merchants note that the quality of Chilean Ambrosia apples has declined, with more surface thorns and spots, leading to a 15%-20% price drop.
As for Southeast Asian fruits, the arrival of Thai young coconuts has increased, resulting in a price drop. Large fruits are now selling for about ￥105 per piece, which merchants appreciate given the previous shortage and high prices. The shortage of Vietnamese dragon fruit persists, with even fewer first-grade fruits available. Second-grade fruits are selling for about ￥260 per piece.
Left: Guizhou Honey Plum; Right: Sichuan Wuyuecui Plum.
On the other hand, several domestic fruits have recently hit the market with varying performances: Guizhou's Zhenning Honey Plums have arrived later than in previous years, with prices remaining roughly the same. Merchants report that the high price of this premium fruit is resulting in slower sales. Xinjiang Diaogan apricots are in the early stage of the production season, and these apricots are noted for their good sweetness and juiciness. Prices are slightly higher than before, with merchants attributing this to lower production caused by unfavorable weather.
Shine Muscat grapes.
Dali winter jujubes had a reduced supply due to unstable weather at the beginning of last week, but conditions have since improved. Prices have dropped by nearly 10% compared to last week, and the taste and sweetness have improved. The prices of Yunnan Shine Muscat are varied. Despite being early in the production season, the market is weak. Merchants cite increased rainfall in the production area, which has affected the taste of green grapes, as a contributing factor.