Cara cara navel oranges, also known as red flesh oranges, have been an emerging variety in the domestic citrus market over recent years. "The peel and flesh are red, attractive in appearance, sweet in taste with a rosy aroma, and are durable in storage, so they've become very popular in the export market in recent years," Chen Zhiming, general manager of Xiamen Lucky Farm Import and Export Co., Ltd, told Freshplaza.
"The production season of Cara cara navel oranges is from the end of November to the end of April every year. This year's production season was postponed, and the market period can last until May. The yield and taste of this production season are ideal, with most of the small fruit types and a few large ones. When they were launched this year, it coincided with the adjustment of domestic pandemic prevention measures. Due to the personal health appeal of "supplementing vitamin C", the market demand for citrus fruits increased, and prices rose accordingly.
"The purchase price of these red-flesh oranges this year is ￥5-￥5.6/kg, which is about 15%-20% higher than before, and the price has basically remained unchanged since then."
"Because the competition of traditional citrus varieties is becoming more and more fierce and the market is sluggish, we try to develop new varieties and improve the packaging method, hoping to seize market opportunities. The appearance and taste of these red-flesh oranges are excellent, and the storage period can be as long as four months. It is good for export. At present, markets such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have responded well."
The export of citrus fruits is an important business of Xiamen Lucky Farm, mainly in the Southeast Asian market. Chen said that the consumption power of the export market has declined recently.
"The export volume of fruits and vegetables began to decrease in August last year. During the Spring Festival, it rebounded in response to the holiday market demand and the reduction of sea freight costs, but it was lower than in previous years. For example, before the Spring Festival is the peak season for the export of citrus products for the new year, this year's export volume has decreased by one-third year-on-year." The citrus products for the new year include Lukan, Ponkan, Tankan, and Murcott.
Xiamen Lucky Farm Import and Export Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in the processing and export trade of fresh fruits and vegetables, with more than 20 years of experience. The company's main business is grapes and citrus fruits. Grapes include red grapes, Crimson, and Shine Muscat. Citrus products include Orah mandarin, Lane Late navel orange, blood oranges, and the varieties mentioned above. The company has a number of export brands, and the export markets are concentrated in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar.