Last week Friday, Gonzalo Matamala, GM of GESEX China, was waiting for the arrival of the first two containers CHilean nectarines shipped at the Guangzhou port of import. Before arrival, GESEX was already talking to a number of retailers and traders, including Walmart, about sales and distribution in China.
"Originally we understood that retailers were careful with this relatively new product (Chilean nectarines received market access to China only last year) because both Chilean and Australian nectarines are entering the country at about the same time. Because there is no historic volume to forecast demand, it makes sense that buyers are cautious," according to Gonzalo.
Gonzalo Matamala (on the left) of GESEX and Guangzhou Sales Manager Braulio Diaz
Chilean nectarines imported by GESEX China
"This season will be the beginning of annual exports. From now on, we will be creating demand. Then, in the following seasons, when more volumes will be coming in, we will be able to push more via promotions. There are some varietal differences between Australian and Chilean nectarines. China has some great domestic varieties also, again completely different and not available all year around. All together, we look forward to an exciting season ahead."
On Saturday, within the day, the entire crop solled out at prices similar to those of imported Chilean cherries. Chilean nectarines can be shipped for another 10 weeks.
Buyers loading up their purchased fresh nectarines
Chilean nectarines imported by GESEX China
Gonzalo Matamala of GESEX (on the left) and together with Melissa, a local buyer and trader
Gonzalo Matamala, GM
GESEX China
www.geexsa.com
gonzalo@fruit-color.com