This week, a surge in imported blueberries and pineapples has led to price reductions, while a durian shortage continues to drive up market prices. The new season of U.S. and French apples has arrived in batches, and Chinese red grapefruit is taking over the domestic grapefruit market.
Large volumes of Peruvian blueberries arrived after October 20, causing prices to drop from around ¥180 per box last week to ¥140-¥150 per box, with some prices as low as ¥120-¥130 per box. Sweeter varieties that previously sold above ¥200 are now priced at ¥170-¥180 per box. Fruit sizes range from 14mm+ to 20mm+, and demand remains steady, though sales have slowed slightly despite stable quality. Additionally, new-season blueberries from Yunnan, China, are being supplied in limited quantities and are priced higher than imports, at about ¥180 per box.
Left: Yunnan blueberries; Right: Peruvian blueberries.
Imported apples from the United States and France have also entered the market. American Gala apples, which arrived earlier, are priced at around ¥450 per box, close to last year's levels, with good quality. French Gala and American Red Delicious apples are also available.
The supply of imported pineapples continues to rise, leading to further price drops this week, with most boxes now priced at ¥80-¥90. Traders noted that prices peaked earlier this season above ¥200 per box, a higher level than in past years. Despite the recent decline, prices are expected to remain elevated longer than usual, supporting steady sales. The arrival volume this month has surged, and current prices are lower than at this time last year. However, sales are slower than during the peak market period.
Left: American Gala apples; Right: Fujian grapefruits
The limited durian supply has pushed prices higher, with Thai Monthong A6 now above ¥1,000 per box—up 10%-15% from last week. Vietnamese Monthong A6 has risen to ¥800-¥850 per box, an increase of 20%-30%. Prices of Philippine durian have also climbed, with steady sales expected to maintain the upward trend.
Peruvian avocado season is concluding with limited remaining supply, while Chilean avocado prices remain steady.
Left: French Gala apples; right: Vietnamese durians
Chinese red grapefruit from Fujian has entered the market in increasing quantities, currently priced around ¥135-¥140 per box, slightly lower than last year. The quality of recent arrivals remains generally stable, but current market demand is low, causing fruit to move slowly. Sales of South African grapefruit have nearly concluded. Some traders noted that, in previous years, South African grapefruit was still available at this time; however, weaker market demand this year has led to an earlier end to sales.
Left: Fujian grapefruits; Right: Guangxi honey crisp kumquats
Guangxi honey crisp kumquats have entered the market in limited quantities, presented in attractive packaging that proved popular last year. Traders noted that this season's launch is earlier than usual, with current prices exceeding those of the same period last year. Meanwhile, Fujian green grapefruits have been available for about two months, with both taste and price remaining steady and sales performing well.