"No grower programme, no supply" concerns Chinese importers"

"Initial feedback on the sales of Australian citrus in China has been strong,” according to Nichole He from Altaifresh. “Our last shipment will arrive by the middle of September. The varieties we import are the Washington and Lane Late Navel orange and the Low Seeded Murcott and Honey Murcott mandarins.” Nicole has just returned from a trip to Australia during which she visited orchards and coordinated with suppliers.

Nicole and colleagues during a visit to Australia

Strong sales for South African and Australian citrus
Altaifresh imports navels and mandarins from Australia and South Africa. “In addition to Australian citrus, we import a number of orange and mandarin varieties from South Africa. South African supplies last longer into the year. In China, popular SA varieties are the Cambera, the Autumn Gold and the Rusterburg. The import season from South Africa and Australia starts around the same time. Transport time from Australia is shorter which makes Australian citrus available earlier. During these weeks, there are little citrus import volumes generally, and Australian citrus is sold at a higher price. South African citrus starts to arrive from the middle of August. Usually, these new shipments will bring the overall price for import citrus down. We embarked on the import of the South African Cara cara, or blood orange. We believe there is potential for this variety in China”.

Arrival of citrus at the port of Guangzhou's in Southern China

Grower programmes necessity to secure supply
Altaifresh is an import and distribution company on the Guangzhou wholesale market in Southern China. The company has a history of importing Australia citrus and works with programmes to secure supply throughout the season. “Our team travels to Australia early at the start of the season, by the middle of June. Then we place an order for the entire season. Orders for Australian mandarins have been crazy this year, virtually everybody is looking for them. Our relationships with our growers go back years, and even then it can still be challenging to have steady supply.”

The Guangzhou Jiangnan market has traditionally been the most important international import market in China. Shanghai’s Huizhan Market is upcoming, but volumes and speed of trade are not comparable.

Australian citrus packing house and orchards

At the end of the citrus season, Altaifresh will switch to importing Australian nectarines, Tasmanian cherries and Australian grapes, followed by Chilean blueberries, cherries and grapes. “The season for Chilean blueberries starts towards the end of October. This year there will also be supply from Uruguay. China’s domestic blueberry season ends in September, which leaves a gap in supply between September and November. Hopefully in the future we will be able to secure supply throughout the year.”

Nicole He, International Trade Specialist
Altaifresh Limited
www.altaifresh.com
M +86 18127878445 | Skype nicoelyingho1989
Email: nh@altaifresh.com