The supply season of South African Sweet Globe grapes began this year in late January. The supply season is expected to last until the middle of March, but actual conditions depend on different markets. The harvest season began two weeks later than usual because of excessive rainfall. The supply volume of South African grapes that meet the commercial standards of the Chinese market seems to be much smaller than in previous years.
South African Sweet Globe grapes
The market advantage of South African grapes is their supply season. South African grapes enter the Chinese market during a gap in the market when the supplies from Peru, Chile, and Australia are limited. The market advantage is even more significant this year than in previous years. That is primarily because, as a result of extreme weather, Peru and Australia supplied fewer grapes to the Chinese market this year. Furthermore, the South African Sweet Globe grapes arrived at precisely the right time. The product quality of South African Sweet Globe grapes was most ideal around the time that Peruvian Sweet Globe grapes just left the Chinese market.
South African Sweet Globe vineyard
"In addition to Sweet Globe grapes, we also supply other South African grape varieties such as the Midnight Beauty, Sweet Sapphire, Crimson, and Sable. The current price of South African Sweet Globe grapes is around 180 yuan [27.64 USD] per 4.5 kg. That is more or less the same as in previous years. However, the delivery volume of that variety is relatively small at the moment. Taking into consideration the fact that Sweet Globe grapes from other countries have not yet arrived on the Chinese market, and this is the time when the product quality is ideal, we think that consumer demand will remain strong and there is certain room for the price to rise even higher." This is according to Mr. Chen Yufeng of Berda Fruit Co., Ltd.
South African Sweet Globe grapes
Berda Fruit sells grapes under their own brand name 'Golden Cheetah' via online and offline sales channels in first- and second tier cities throughout China. They sell grapes through wholesale markets as well as e-commerce platforms. The company has years of experience and relies on product quality as well as the company reputation to establish a foothold in wholesale markets across China.
South African Sweet Globe grapes
According to Mr. Chen: "The product quality of South African Sweet Globes is slightly worse than last year and the grapes are somewhat smaller. The fruit peel looks normal and the sugar content is around 17 degrees. Our team in South Africa carefully selects the best grapes as usual. Only after layer upon layer of product quality control are the grapes allowed to ship to the Chinese market. That is one of the reasons why there is such a huge audience for Golden Cheetah grapes in China."
For more information:
Mr. Chen Yufeng
Berda Fruit Co., Ltd.
Website: http://www.berdafruit.com.cn
Tel.: +86 20 8127 3836