The new season for fragrant pears from Shanxi, China, began in August. This year, prolonged high temperatures during the growing period have led to a reduction in the overall production of fragrant and Gong pears. However, the rate of high-quality, market-ready fruit has increased.
Shanxi Yuncheng Yufengyuan Cooperative, which specializes in the cultivation and domestic and international sales of Hongxiangsu and Gong pears, reported a 20–30% decline in production. Despite the drop, Mr. Lei from the cooperative confirmed that the pears maintain their usual sweetness and flavor. "The current purchase price in the production region is about 10% higher than in previous years and continues to rise," Lei noted. Pear prices had been stagnant in recent years but started improving last year and are now slightly higher than during the same period in 2023.
Lei highlighted that demand for Hongxiangsu pears in the domestic market has grown, with an increase in sales volume and speed. "The taste and sweetness of this variety have remained stable, and demand is stronger than before," he said. However, export demand, especially for fragrant pears, has weakened, with reasons still to be determined.
The fragrant pear season typically runs until October, but persistently high temperatures in Yuncheng could shorten the production period this year, according to Lei.
Yufengyuan Cooperative oversees over 66 hectares of orchards, producing fragrant pears, Gong pears, yellow-fleshed nectarines, and other fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes, apples, and sweet persimmons. With its own cold storage and processing facilities, the cooperative is well-equipped for both domestic and international sales, particularly to markets in Central Asia and Russia. "We welcome both Chinese and foreign traders to visit our orchards and look forward to building more partnerships," Lei added.