The five-day "May Day" holiday, which began on Thursday, has significantly boosted fruit market activity. Buyer traffic has increased notably, with many seasonal fruits seeing stronger sales and slight price increases.
Prices of New Zealand apples, particularly Royal Gala and Queen varieties, have risen, with Royal Gala seeing the most significant increase. In contrast, the price of imported oranges remained steady, with traders noting little change in overall sales.
Left: Egyptian oranges; right: New Zealand Queen apples
Regarding imported grapes, traders report that Australian grapes continue to perform best this season in terms of quality and taste, even exceeding previous years. However, grapes from Peru, Chile, and other origins have seen declines in both appearance and flavor, resulting in lower prices. Chilean grapes have performed slightly better than Peruvian ones recently. Overall, the arrival volume of grapes is slightly lower than in past years, and demand from buyers has weakened. Lower-priced batches have been selling more effectively.
Left: Chilean Crimson Fall plums; Right: Australian grapes
The supply of Chinese blueberries has decreased recently. Coupled with the holiday-driven demand, prices have been rising. Currently, 18 mm+ blueberries are selling for around $11.75–$13.15 per box (￥85–￥95), with overall sales performing well.
Imported plums are entering the end of their production season. Market volume is low, and prices have increased accordingly. Traders report smooth sales, with Crimson Fall being the most common variety available.
Left: Peruvian avocados; Right: Chinese blueberries
Other fruits benefiting from the holiday surge include imported avocados and dragon fruit. Demand for Peruvian avocados has increased, driving a slight price rise to around $17.30 per box (￥125). The current arrivals are of good quality. Vietnamese dragon fruit prices remain steady compared to last week, with first-grade fruit also priced at about $17.30 per box. Traders noted that while prices spiked during the same period last year due to shortages, the current supply is stable and pricing remains reasonable.
Left: Thai Monthong durians; Right: Vietnamese Kanyao durians
As for durians, the arrival volume of Thai Monthong has increased, leading to a gradual decline in prices. A6-grade durians are selling for about $152 per box (￥1,100), and sales are progressing smoothly. Meanwhile, Vietnamese durians are arriving in smaller quantities, and prices have dropped from last week. Some traders prefer Thai durians due to inconsistent customs clearance times and variable quality of the Vietnamese ones. Overall, imported durian volumes remain lower than during the same period last year.
Gift box: left: Sichuan loquats; Right: Hainan cantalope melons
Among domestic fruits, seasonal varieties like Hainan honey melons and Sichuan loquats have seen sales growth driven by the holiday. Traders note that gift boxes are especially popular.
One trader added that in previous May Day holidays, durian was the star of the fruit market, with many buyers focusing on it. However, due to reduced supply this year, buyers have diversified their purchases, contributing to increased sales across other fruit categories.