Chinese apple farmers set a new record last year for the total surface area devoted to apple production as well as the overall production volume. The apple market supply greatly exceeded demand and apple prices were low. What about this year? The current apple market shows a polarization of apple prices.
Apple production areas in Shaanxi, Gansu, and Shanxi suffered from cold weather in the first half of this year. The overall apple production decreased by an estimated 40%. However, the sales of early-season apples show that the price is much higher this year than it has been for years, and keeps increasing. The price rose in particular prior to the Mid-Autumn Festival [24 September]. While some visiting traders waited to see how the market would develop, apple orchard owners did not give in.
The price of apples had been in a steady decline in recent years, but recent orders changed that. The overall price increased, but top-quality apples in particular maintain a high price and will increase even further.
The price of top-quality apples continues to increase because consumers show an increasing demand for healthy, nutritious foods. On the other end, however, are low-quality apples. Their price continues to drop as before. This polarization has become even more obvious this year.
Source: Fruit Service Center