China: Weather reduc premium quality banana production 50%

At the recent edition of Asia Fruit Logistica, Owen Zhang, of the Banana Business Department of Goodfarmer Foods, in Shanghai, stated that Chinese consumers are currently willing to pay more for a good quality bananas, with a gap of up to 14 RMB separating premium from low quality produce. “However this year, because of weather problems, the volume of good quality has been insufficient, so we’ve reduced our volume (by up to 50%), because for us, quality comes first.”

Despite these problems, he assures that banana growers in southern China see the potential opportunities in the crop and plantations are expanding. “Compared to last year, plantings have increased by more than 30%. When they are harvested, in October or November, maybe prices will be a little lower, and I think quality will also be good.”

He also assures that if Goodfarmer manages to strike a balance between Chinese local production and imports, which come primarily from the Philippines, they’ll be able to select the best premium local bananas.

Another big focus for GoodFarmer is the distribution business; to be service providers to the retailers. “We used to sell more green bananas, but now we sell more yellow bananas, mostly by working with supermarkets directly. We reduced our share in the wholesale market and increased it at retailers, and this also applies to other fruits, as this way our demand remains more stable.”

In this sense, and given the current situation with bananas, supermarkets are understanding and accept the strategy of only offering the best quality, as that is also the way to obtain the best prices.

For more information:
Owen Zhang Banana
Goodfarmer Foods (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd
Tel：+86 -21-59804175
Mob：+86-15165403388
Email: owen@goodfarmer.com
www.goodfarmer.com