The majority of Chinese markets are recovering from the impact of isolation measures that followed the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year and the asparagus market is no different. Production has just begun and the supply volume is gradually growing.
Mr. Li of Xintian Yuying (Beijing) Science and Trade Co., Ltd. recently shared his analysis of the Chinese asparagus market: "The Chinese market is now slowly recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. Our sales volume has been significantly lower than in recent years. The main reason for this development is that the main demand for asparagus comes from restaurants rather than individual consumers. However, up until now, many restaurants are still closed for business. This has a definite impact on the sales volume of Chinese asparagus."
Asparagus from Hebei (on the right)
When asked about the supply season of Chinese asparagus, Mr. Li explained: "The supply period of asparagus from Shanghai already started prior to Chinese Spring Festival [25 January, 2020]. The asparagus from Hebei have only just entered the market this week and their supply period will continue until the end of June. The product quality of spring asparagus is the best. Spring is therefore the best season to purchase asparagus in China. This year, our production volume of Hebei asparagus was at the same level as last year. The asparagus enjoyed excellent weather conditions. The asparagus from Hebei come in two main varieties: green asparagus and purple asparagus. We mainly sell the green asparagus, and only have a small sales volume of purple asparagus. White asparagus will enter the market in a short while. The green asparagus has been the most popular variety in the Chinese market for years."
Asparagus from Shanghai
According to Mr. Li the current price is quite alright: "The current retail price is more or less at the same level as last year around 12 yuan [1.70 USD] per 0.5 kg. We expect the price to remain stable, because the overall production volume is large and the production areas are distributed across the country. Production areas in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei currently supply the Chinese market with asparagus. The peak of their supply season will come in May and July. That is when the price is expected to come down. The lowest price last year was around 8 yuan [1.13 USD] per 0.5 kg. This year, however, we have to wait and see how the outbreak of COVID-19 will ultimately impact the asparagus market."
Xintian Yuying (Beijing) Science and Trade is specialized in Chinese asparagus retail. The company supplies top-quality asparagus all year long. The company also imports asparagus from Australia during the time of year when Chinese production areas do not supply asparagus.
Asparagus from Xinjiang
For more information:
Mr. Li Chaoran
Xintian Yuying (Beijing) Science and Trade Co., Ltd.
E-mail: [email protected]