The volume of nectarines, plums, and other stone fruits imported from Chile arrived in the Chinese market last week (Week 9). However, arrivals have slightly decreased this week, and prices are showing an upward trend.
"According to Chilean suppliers, nectarine production has increased this season, and quality remains stable," said Mike Wang, from Altaifresh, a company specializing in imported stone fruits this season.
Chilean nectarines
Market fluctuations for nectarines this year differ slightly from previous years. Historically, shipments of Chilean nectarines to China peak around mid-January, leading to lower prices in the period leading up to the Chinese New Year. However, this year, nectarine prices were about 20%-25% higher than the same period in previous years. Some speculate that weak cherry sales at the time prompted traders to shift their focus to nectarines.
After the Chinese New Year (late January to early February), nectarine arrivals continued to increase, causing prices to decline rapidly. Analysts suggest that many buyers paused purchases during the holiday, leading to market accumulation and further price drops. Currently, the median price for nectarines is around $13.78 - $15.16 per box, lower than initial expectations. "Importers, exporters, and other industry players are hoping prices will rebound to a sustainable level in March," Mike noted.
Chilean plums
Regarding popular nectarine varieties, Mike highlighted "Borea" and the recently emerging flat nectarine variety, "Cakedelice." "The Borea variety boasts excellent coloring, with delicate, bright red skin and a pure, sweet taste. Its arrival volume has been increasing yearly. Although prices are slightly lower this season, it remains the best-selling variety, and growers' earnings are still relatively favorable."
"The arrival of Cakedelice has ended for the season. This variety is still in limited supply but has a highly competitive taste. It can sell for around $27.56 per box, higher than other varieties, with relatively stable prices. I believe this variety has strong market potential."
Left: Emerald Dream; Right: Cherry Plum
In addition to nectarines, Chilean plums are another key seasonal fruit. Some of the plums that have arrived so far have a slightly milder taste compared to ideal years. "Among all Chilean plum varieties, cherry plums are among the most popular due to their excellent price-to-quality ratio. At peak sales, cherry plums fetch significantly higher prices than Chilean cherries arriving during the same period."
Altaifresh primarily imports stone fruits and citrus from Australia, Chile, South Africa, and Spain, with wholesale markets as its main sales channels.