Red-heart kiwifruit production in the Pujiang region of Sichuan, China, is nearing the end of its season, while local citrus fruits are poised to take over the market.
According to Mr. Li from Yichen Fresh, a company that sells Sichuan citrus and red-heart kiwifruit, the production of red-heart kiwifruit has dropped significantly this year due to Psa disease and other challenges. "Red-heart kiwifruit requires advanced cultivation techniques and has been heavily affected by diseases in recent years. On the other hand, citrus is easier to grow and more profitable, so many local farmers have switched to citrus cultivation. As a result, red-heart kiwifruit production has decreased by nearly 60% this year, though prices have risen by 20% to 30% due to limited supply."
Ehime oranges, a popular citrus variety from Sichuan, entered the market about a month earlier than usual this year. However, some farmers rushed their produce to market before it was fully ripe, which impacted its flavor and, consequently, the selling price. "Ehime oranges are moving slowly in wholesale markets but are performing better on e-commerce platforms. Livestream sales by influencers have boosted their visibility, but high pricing requirements from e-commerce channels have added pressure on the market. Despite lower production, prices have not risen significantly. However, Ehime oranges still hold a competitive advantage when they first enter the market due to the lack of similar alternatives, aside from mandarin oranges," Mr. Li explained.
This year, Sichuan citrus production has decreased overall, with popular varieties like Ganping and Papagan seeing significant price increases during pre-sales compared to last year.
To support the citrus industry, local governments have implemented several initiatives, such as expanding planting areas and building cold storage facilities to extend sales periods. Additionally, regulations strictly prohibit the use of sweetening agents on varieties like Papagan, with severe penalties for violations. "These measures aim to protect product quality and discourage premature harvesting," said Mr. Li.
Looking ahead, Mr. Li noted that the season faces challenges due to warmer-than-usual temperatures, which could delay citrus ripening. Additionally, hot weather during the early growth stage caused sunburn damage to some fruits. "Despite these difficulties, we don't expect prices to rise significantly because market consumption power and demand need to be taken into account. Consumers have many fruit options, so competition remains strong," Mr. Li said.
Yichen Fresh continues to prioritize e-commerce channels for the sale of its Sichuan citrus and red-heart kiwifruit.