The export season for Linhai tangerines produced in Zhejiang, China, started in late September, and the first batch of exports was sent to Canada. It is understood that due to abundant rain during the growing period in August, the sourness of mandarins has decreased faster, and the launching time is about a week earlier than before. Abundant rainfall resulted in larger fruits, with more high-quality fruits.
Zhejiang Yongfeng Fresh Fruit Professional Cooperative is mainly engaged in the cultivation and sales of Linhai tangerines. According to Mr. Ying Qimin, from the company, the export demand for Linhai tangerines has increased steadily in recent years: "Canada is our most important export market, mainly transported by ship, which usually takes 16-20 days to arrive. The volume sent to this market this year is expected to reach more than 1,000 tons, an increase of 20% over last year. In order to develop and stabilize overseas markets, our export prices have remained relatively stable in the past five years, even though the prices at the origin have fluctuated. Linhai tangerines have the characteristics of moderate sweetness and sourness, thin skin, and juiciness. They are marketed as mid-to-high-end consumers and are suitable for the needs of European and American markets."
Ying introduced that in addition to Canada, Linhai tangerines are also exported to Russia, Central Asia and other places, and will be shipped to North Korea for the first time on November 3. The first batch will be about 25 tons to test the market. "The export potential of Linhai tangerines is huge. We select different grades of fruit for export, based on the consumption conditions of different markets."
Regarding the growth of tangerines this season, Ying said: "The weather was good in the early part of this year, with no pests and diseases, and the output increased by about 15% compared to last year. The fruit has a bright surface and a Brix of about 13 degrees, which is slightly higher than last year. The price at the origin is roughly the same as last year, with conventional high-quality fruits about ￥12-16/kg. Thanks to the improvement of scientific planting level year by year and the favorable regional microclimate environment, the quality has been relatively stable in recent years and is favored by the market. Currently, sales are generally smooth. "
"Next week will enter the peak sales season for Linhai tangerines. Domestic sales are about 15 tons per day, and exports are about 5-6 containers per week. If the weather is good, it is estimated that 95% of the fruits will be sold by the end of December."
Zhejiang Yongfeng Fresh Fruit Professional Cooperative uses "Zhengfeng" as its brand and specializes in Linhai tangerines, Linhai bayberries, and a variety of small fruits. It has around 1000 hectares of orchards, a processing plant of about 3,000 square meters, and an annual output value of about 60 million. The cooperative has obtained China's green food certification and its bayberry preservation technology has been patented. The main sales areas include Beijing, Shanghai, Northeast China and other places, and the channels include online sales, offline supermarkets, agricultural promotion conferences, business gifts, and wholesale markets.