As we approach the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday starting this Sunday, the fruit wholesale market has entered its peak season. The market dynamics have shown an initial surge in sales, particularly in the first half of the week, with a noticeable price increase for certain fruits. However, a slowdown in sales was observed on Thursday and Friday, leading to a slight decrease in prices. Overall, traders report that this year's Mid-Autumn Festival market trends and sales volumes are largely in line with the previous year, with modest price increases for some fruits. Popular seasonal offerings include Qiuyue pears, soft-seeded pomegranates, apples, durians, Xinjiang plums, and plum-leaf crabs, with gift box packaging proving particularly popular.
Since the beginning of September, apple prices have seen a roughly 5% increase, attributed to the Mid-Autumn Festival demand and reduced supply. Traders note that prices are higher compared to the same period last year, driven by lower supply volumes and increased costs, though apples remain a popular choice, especially in gift boxes.
Imported oranges and apples in gift boxes
Imported orange gift boxes have not seen significant price increases, with sales performing better than earlier in the season but still falling short of expectations. Traders have shifted from Cambria to sweet oranges in an effort to reduce costs and boost sales. Australian Lane Late navel oranges have seen a price increase, whereas sweet orange prices have remained stable.
A new shipment of Peruvian blueberries arrived this week, bringing larger volumes than in previous weeks but still not meeting market demand, maintaining high prices and rapid sales.
Left: Xinjiang plums; Right: Xinjiang plum-leaf crabs
For the Xinjiang plum-leaf crabs, high-quality fruits with slightly elevated prices are seeing robust sales, while the demand for mid-grade varieties lags. Traders have noted that sales were impacted last year due to sandstorms in the production areas, which left many fruits with surface blemishes. However, this year has seen an improvement in climate conditions in the growing regions, leading to enhancements in both the appearance and flavor of the fruits compared to the previous year. And if improved varieties and batches with better quality are selected for the market, the price will be booming even if it is higher than last year.
Left: Qiuyue pears; right: soft-seeded pomegranates
Qiuyue pears and soft-seeded pomegranates are popular for the Mid-Autumn Festival. This year's abundant harvest has led to a decrease in the overall price of Qiuyue pears, resulting in slower sales. The price has now settled, and the best quality ones are selling for about ¥55 a box or more. The Sichuan soft-seeded pomegranates are bigger this year, but there aren't as many 8-pack boxes around. Their prices are pretty much the same as before, with just a small increase as the festival gets closer. Both these fruits are usually more sought after in 8-pack boxes.
Xinjiang plums experienced steady sales and a slight price increase in the initial part of the week. However, a significant drop in buyer interest in the latter half led to a decrease in prices. Recently, there has been a slowdown in purchases, affecting sales. Currently, 4 kg plastic frames of Xinjiang plums with ample fruit bloom powder and desirable firmness are priced at around ¥65 each, while those with less bloom powder and firmness are available for about ¥35-45 each.
Left: Thai durians; Right: American stone fruits
Imported durian is in high demand for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with sales soaring recently. Initially, prices increased early in the week but then dropped due to more durians arriving later on. However, some traders think prices might go up again on Saturday. By the latter part of the week, the price for Vietnam's A6 durian is around ¥650 per box, Thailand's A6 durian is about ¥750 per box, and the premium ones are over ¥800 per box. The market is in high demand.
Pluots, a type of stone fruit from the United States, are also selling well thanks to their sweet and pure flavor.
Vietnamese dragon fruit prices have gone up again, with top-quality fruit selling for about ¥180 per box. Traders say this increase is not just because of the Mid-Autumn Festival demand but also due to the limited arrival of the best-quality batches.