China expects to harvest more peaches, nectarines and cherries in the season of 2017/2018 than in the previous season. This was reported by the USDA. The increase is mainly thanks to young plants coming into production. The cold and dry spring in the production regions are changing the season. Smaller calibres are expected for cherries.
Peaches and nectarines
The Chinese peach and nectarine harvest for the season 2017/2018 is estimated to be 14.3 million tonnes. This is almost 2% more than in the previous season. Despite a cold and dry spring in the north of China primarily influencing the pollination of the peaches, a larger volume is still estimated. The cause for this is the new trees coming into production and a larger production in eastern areas.
The Chinese authorities have adjusted the figures over the last season to 14 million tonnes. The production is expected to stabilise, as no more new plantations are coming into production. The country has 840,000 acres for the coming season, a light increase compared to the previous year. In recent years the area has expanded quickly, but this trend seems to be stabilising.
Peaches and nectarines are grown in almost all Chinese provinces, but the main production regions can be found in Central and Northern China. Most plantations are in the hands of older growers, most are past 50. More and more often the land passes to a neighbour or cooperation. It is mainly traditional varieties that are grown and are on market between May and October. On average a hectare yields 40 tonnes.
The consumption of peaches and nectarines continues to rise, despite the fruit already being popular among the Chinese. Due to the increasingly rising production, however, the point of oversupply is looming. The demand is also under pressure as a lot of fertilisers and pesticides are used, which doesn't benefit the flavour. Consumers are more and more prepared to pay for organic stone fruit.
Cherries
The cherry harvest for the season 2017/2018 is estimated at 360,000 tonnes, an increase of 9%. The harvest figures from last year have been reported as 330,000 tonnes. Although a consistent drought in the north resulted in smaller calibres, a record harvest is still expected. This is mainly thanks to orchards that are coming into production for the first time. The season has more challenging conditions, besides the smaller sizes. Growers expect the cherries to be more sour and there to be more oddly shaped fruit on the market. This makes the quality generally lower, a result of the drought.
Cherries
The cherry harvest for the season 2017/2018 is estimated at 360,000 tonnes, an increase of 9%. The harvest figures from last year have been reported as 330,000 tonnes. Although a consistent drought in the north resulted in smaller calibres, a record harvest is still expected. This is mainly thanks to orchards that are coming into production for the first time. The season has more challenging conditions, besides the smaller sizes. Growers expect the cherries to be more sour and there to be more oddly shaped fruit on the market. This makes the quality generally lower, a result of the drought.
In the coming years the cherry production will rise more due to more young plants coming into production. The area is at 112,000 hectares at the moment, 4% more than last year. Cherries are still being planted due to the good yields, although the growth is levelling. The main expansions can be found in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Sichuan. In the northern provinces of Shandong and Liaoning, the two main producers of cherries, the area remains stable.
Greenhouse cherries enter the market in February, but the volumes are limited. The bulk is harvested in May and June. The consumption of cherries is rising quickly as a result of a larger supply of both domestic growers and import. The preference is for larger calibres, with a deep red colour and sweet flavour.
The import of cherries is estimated at 120,000 tonnes, which is 10% more than last year. The demand for premium cherries remains large. The import flows peak in December and February in the run up to the Chinese New Year. Chile has the largest market share in the import of cherries. A second peak falls in May to July, when the US is the market leader. Import from Turkey is also allowed as of this year. The import of peaches and nectarines is limited. There is only import from Australia and Spain outside of the season.
The export of peaches and nectarines is estimated at 80,000 tonnes, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. There is mainly demand for the stone fruit from Central Asia, including Russia and Kazakhstan. The cherries from Shandon have been successfully exported to Malaysia, but the volume is limited.
Greenhouse cherries enter the market in February, but the volumes are limited. The bulk is harvested in May and June. The consumption of cherries is rising quickly as a result of a larger supply of both domestic growers and import. The preference is for larger calibres, with a deep red colour and sweet flavour.
The import of cherries is estimated at 120,000 tonnes, which is 10% more than last year. The demand for premium cherries remains large. The import flows peak in December and February in the run up to the Chinese New Year. Chile has the largest market share in the import of cherries. A second peak falls in May to July, when the US is the market leader. Import from Turkey is also allowed as of this year. The import of peaches and nectarines is limited. There is only import from Australia and Spain outside of the season.
The export of peaches and nectarines is estimated at 80,000 tonnes, an increase of 9% compared to the previous year. There is mainly demand for the stone fruit from Central Asia, including Russia and Kazakhstan. The cherries from Shandon have been successfully exported to Malaysia, but the volume is limited.