With the conclusion of the Chinese New Year festivities, the availability of Chilean cherries is dwindling day by day. Recently, the domestic imported fruit market has seen an increase in Chilean plums transported by air, gradually replacing cherries as the primary product. Chilean plums are exhibiting improved freshness, albeit with a slightly sour taste that improves over time.
Recently, the freshly launched Chilean plums command a relatively high price due to their air transportation, incurring substantial cold chain costs. However, prices are expected to decrease significantly upon the arrival of sea-freighted plums.
The market cycle of Chilean plums typically spans from February to April, with a limited quantity available in late January. February sees primarily air shipments, characterized by lower ripeness and less favorable taste profiles, bland or sour. March marks the peak sales period as sea freight deliveries arrive, offering improved ripeness and taste at lower prices. By late March, imported plum sales declined, with inconsistent fruit firmness and quality.
Price fluctuations are heavily influenced by supply and demand dynamics, impacting both procurement and sales ends.
Apart from Chilean air-shipped plums, a small quantity of Australian plums is also present in the market. Australian plums boast slightly superior taste profiles, with a better ripeness compared to Chilean counterparts. Despite being more expensive and less volume, Australian plums find favor among consumers due to their premium quality. Given the variance in transportation methods, direct price comparison between Chilean and Australian plums is challenging. Consequently, Chilean plums, offering better value for money, remain more popular.
Source: FreshSaga