Following the Chinese New Year holiday, market demand has declined, leading to a general drop in fruit prices. At the same time, a variety of fruits have arrived, including various plums from Australia and Chile. Air-shipped Chilean plums are now available, the volume of Australian grapes has increased compared to the same period last year, and Chinese blueberries have begun to enter the market in large quantities.
Compared to the pre-holiday period, the price of Chilean cherries has dropped significantly, with variations depending on the date, quality, and taste. The 2J-4J size, two-in-one packaged Regina variety is priced at approximately $24 to $32 per box, while smaller-sized batches are available for around $18 to $20 per box. Some traders noted that since the latter part of the holiday, purchasing activity for cherries has decreased significantly, contributing to the overall price decline.
Australia imported grapes
The current arrival volume of Australian grapes is higher than during the same period last year, with available varieties including Ralli seedless red and green grapes. According to traders, Australian grape production has increased by approximately 30% this year, leading to higher shipment volumes and an earlier market entry. Traders report that the quality of the current arrivals is good, with no white spots or skin damage. However, due to the large supply and insufficient market demand, prices have begun to decline earlier than usual. Prices were initially high but have been dropping rapidly. The current price of Ralli seedless grapes is about 15% lower than in previous years. Some traders also mentioned that the arrival volume of Peruvian green grapes remains relatively small, with prices lower than in the same period of previous years. At present, many grape traders are focusing on Australian grapes.
Left: Chilean plums; Right: Chilean Dinosaur Egg plums
Chilean and Australian stone fruits have arrived in succession. Air-shipped Chilean plums are now on the market, with traders reporting that current prices are significantly lower than in previous years. In the past, large boxes of plums sold for around ￥300-400, but now they are priced at approximately ￥240. The trend is similar across several imported plum varieties, with lower prices and slow sales. Traders attribute this primarily to the low price of Chilean cherries and weak market purchasing power. Available Chilean plums include Cherry Plum, Red Phoenix plums, and red-fleshed Dinosaur Egg plums. Australian plums currently on sale include Queen Garnet plums, Sierra Sweet plums, and Candy Red plums. Additionally, the price of Chilean white-fleshed nectarines has dropped significantly as supply increases. Traders note that the quality of the arriving fruits remains consistent with usual standards.
Left: Yunnan blueberries; Right: Egyptian grapefruits
Egyptian grapefruits have also arrived, with traders stating that their price, arrival schedule, and quality are generally in line with previous years. The fruit's surface color appears lighter than usual.
Left: Chilean cherries; Right: imported stone fruits
Chinese blueberries have entered the market in large quantities, particularly from production areas in Yunnan and Guangdong, leading to a corresponding price reduction. Yunnan blueberries are currently priced at approximately $22 per box for 18mm+ sizes and $16 per box for 15mm+, reflecting a 10%-20% decrease compared to pre-holiday prices. Traders report that the 15mm+ specification is particularly popular in the market.