During the Chinese New Year holiday, imported fruits such as cherries, plums, mangosteens, and kiwis, along with citrus fruits symbolizing fortune in Chinese culture, reach their peak sales season. Data reveals that apples, Papagan oranges, and sugar tangerines lead the Top 3 in sales in this market.
Current fruit prices in the market have seen minimal drops compared to pre-festival levels. Conversely, some citrus fruit prices have slightly risen due to robust sales and low inventory, compounded by traffic congestion during the Chinese New Year and inadequate supply. Prices for grapes, plums, and cherries from Chile are trending downwards due to increased sea freight volume. Meanwhile, prices for imported fruits like mangosteen and kiwi from Thailand, Australia, and other nations remain stable.
According to the general manager of a fruit store at the Xijiao International Agricultural Products Trading Center in Shanghai, "Citrus remains the market favorite. Prices for Papagan oranges and Wogan have increased by ¥2-4/kg." Simultaneously, as shipping capacity continues to grow, some imported fruits experienced price reductions before the Chinese New Year. Industry insiders note, "Imported fruit volumes such as Chilean grapes and plums have gradually risen, leading to significant price drops compared to pre-festival levels. For instance, plums that sold for over ¥500/box before the Chinese New Year now fetch over ¥400. After increased sea freight, prices are expected to stabilize at around ¥300/box.
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.
Around the Chinese New Year, cherries are the most sought-after imported fruit. Currently, cherries are primarily transported by sea, resulting in a significant price reduction compared to air freight a month ago. Prices have halved compared to a month ago due to large-scale ripening and subsequent transition from air to sea transport, greatly reducing transportation costs.
It is noted that pre-Chinese New Year fruit prices were relatively high due to increased labor, logistics, and supply costs. However, with the conclusion of the holiday, market demand has subsided, leading to ample fruit supply and subsequent price reductions.
Source: CCTV.com-China Ningbo Net