Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines are grown in many regions across China. Thanks to their early market entry and excellent overall characteristics, demand for Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines has surged in the past two years. "In previous years, Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines were mostly sold in major cities. This year, however, they have also reached some county-level markets, where they continue to fetch relatively high prices. To date, Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines have become a popular variety with high market acceptance." Jiangxi Benxiang Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., a company specializing in the cultivation, sales, and promotion of Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines, according to Mr. Xiong Youguo, a representative of the company.
"The production season for Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines has passed its halfway point," said Mr. Xiong. "This season's overall production is lower than before, but both quality and pricing are favorable, with strong market demand. The performance of each production area varies. Yunnan has experienced booming production and sales. Guangxi has seen higher prices than in previous years. Meanwhile, production in Jiangxi and Hunan has been affected by frost damage and citrus greening disease, reducing capacity. Sichuan, on the other hand, has faced drought conditions that have severely impacted the quality and price of its produce."
"Yunnan began shipping its tangerines in late August and early September," Mr. Xiong explained. "Throughout the season, prices remained firm. Favorable weather conditions with less rain resulted in better fruit quality than in previous years. The starting price reached ¥18/kg, and mid-season prices also stayed higher than before, though the supply could not fully meet market demand."
Yunnan set a strong tone for the season. However, once its production season ended, other regions struggled to maintain the same production capacity and quality, leading to a market shortage in late October.
"Guangxi has historically struggled with quality, which resulted in lower prices," said Mr. Xiong. "This year, however, northern Guangxi has produced fruits of better quality, both in taste and color, leading to price increases."
"The Jiangxi and Hunan regions traditionally held advantages for Jinqiu Shatangju production," Mr. Xiong noted. "However, repeated frost damage in recent years has caused many farmers to abandon cultivation. This season, high temperatures slowed fruit coloration, which impacted sales. Nevertheless, fruits that successfully ripened showed excellent taste and color. In high-quality orchards, prices exceeded growers' expectations, rising by 20% compared to last year."
According to Mr. Xiong, fruit traders specializing in Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines have seen strong market returns in recent years, with distribution channels increasingly embracing the variety. With high demand and growing acceptance, the outlook for Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines remains promising.
"Since the start of the season, prices have remained stable, and most orchards' harvests have already been pre-booked. Before conventional tangerines from Guangxi enter the market at the end of November, we expect sales and prices for Jinqiu Shatangju to remain ideal," he added.
Benxiang Agriculture markets its Jinqiu Shatangju tangerines under the 'Xiaoyaju' brand, with a 200-hectare planting base and its own factory. Looking ahead, Mr. Xiong emphasized the importance of frost prevention and post-harvest management as temperatures drop. The company also plans to introduce its next flagship products, the 'Yangguang Yihao' tangerine and pomelo, to the market in late November. These fruits will launch earlier than in previous years and are expected to show significantly improved quality compared to last year.