The export season for Chinese grapes is nearing its end, with red grapes remaining the main export variety.
"This year, several major red grape-producing regions in China have experienced lower production, reduced market demand, and a decline in both export volume and price," says Kyle Zeng of Shaanxi HoVo Import & Export Co., Ltd., a company with extensive experience in grape exports. Zeng provided insights into this season's grape export performance.
"Several key red grape-producing areas, including Yunnan, Gansu, and Xinjiang, saw lower yields, and overall quality has not matched previous years. Overseas sales have also declined. This is partly due to the quality not meeting expectations and partly due to sluggish markets, which haven't attracted enough buyers. Additionally, red grape varieties have been exported for years, and consumer interest in them is waning. In recent years, grape export volumes have declined steadily; updating the variety might help boost exports."
"Despite lower output, prices have not risen—instead, they have fallen, with export prices about 15%-20% lower than in previous years. While the domestic market is the main consumer for grapes, it has also been slow since the second half of last year. Sluggish sales have led to inventory backlogs, which has affected grape quality."
Shaanxi HoVo's export markets include India, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and other regions. "Chinese red grapes have an advantage since their harvest seasons and varieties complement these markets. However, with more suppliers and limited variety changes, product competitiveness is declining. We are working to diversify our export varieties and explore grapes that better suit these markets."
Plums popular in export markets
Regarding shifts in export markets, Zeng noted a drop in Southeast Asia's purchasing power over the past two years, with a preference for low-priced bulk fruits. The Indian and Bangladeshi markets remain relatively strong, though Bangladesh's economic downturn this year has impacted import demand.
"One of our strategies is to export high-quality niche fruits from China, such as persimmons and plums. These fruits offer consumers a sense of novelty, and their export volumes nearly compensate for the drop in large-volume fruits like red grapes."
Oranges being exported
Shaanxi HoVo's export portfolio includes grapes, citrus, plums, kiwis, and persimmons, with primary markets in India, Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.