This Mother's Day, the fruit market hasn't experienced the usual surge in sales compared to previous years. Despite this, the spotlight remains on imported durian as the most sought-after fruit, reflecting the festival's impact.
However, durian arrivals have been increasing while prices have been on the decline. This year, Thailand's persistent high temperatures and drought have led to overly ripe and cracked fruits. Many durians are arriving with visible cracks, diminishing their quality compared to last year. Moreover, there's been a decrease in the proportion of large fruits, with more pointed ones observed. The supply of Thai Monthong durians meeting A6 specifications is limited, and high-quality A6 fruits are quickly snapped up upon arrival. Presently, most A-class products in the market adhere to A7 specifications, priced at around ￥720-￥780 per piece, approximately ￥100 cheaper than last week. A6 durians command a premium of about ￥30-￥50 per piece over A7. Alongside the ample supply, deteriorating quality is contributing to the price decline.
Left: Thai Monthong durians; Right: Palm-sized Monthong.
Thai Monthong durians dominate the market, with increasing arrivals from Vietnam, particularly of Kanyao A3 variety, priced at approximately ￥230-￥260 per piece, 20% to 30% lower than last week. Additionally, the market is seeing a surge in sales of palm-sized Thai durians, appealing to small families or individuals due to their size and affordable prices.
Left: New Zealand apples; right: Yunnan Shine Muscat grapes.
Despite a bountiful harvest, New Zealand apples are experiencing sluggish sales, largely due to the competitive pricing of durians this season. Gala apples, in particular, are in short supply, fetching prices around ￥340 per piece. Merchants anticipate improved sales once Gala prices drop below ￥300. Many apple vendors are introducing small barrel packaging containing 6-8 miniature apples to cater to diverse consumer preferences, reflecting a trend toward smaller fruit sizes.
Left: New Zealand red pears; Right: Vietnam Kanyao durians.
Peruvian avocado arrivals have decreased recently, leading to generally stable prices and improved sales compared to previous periods. It's noted that larger-sized fruits, particularly #20 and #22, are less available, resulting in relatively higher prices, while #24 fruits are more abundant. Presently, #22 avocados are selling for approximately ￥140 each, while #24 varieties are priced around ￥120 per piece.
Meanwhile, the supply of Yunnan blueberries has increased, prompting a price drop of 10%-15% compared to last week. The cost of 15mm+ berries stands at approximately ￥80 per piece. Prices for blueberries from Guangdong vary.
South African grapefruits.
South African grapefruit arrivals have been gradually rising, leading to a slight price decrease from the previous two weeks, although prices remain higher than the same period last year. Merchants have reported satisfactory quality in recent arrivals. Yunnan Shine Muscat grapes have entered the market, albeit with limited volume, and haven't garnered significant attention yet. Some merchants attribute the reduced production of Yunnan Shine Muscat grapes this year to weather conditions in the production area.