More Chilean air-freighted cherries are arriving on the market, with new varieties including Brooks and Santina. Sizes range from single J to 4J, packaged in 2kg and 5kg (two-in-one) boxes. Prices are lower than when the first shipment arrived last week. For example, a 2kg package of 3J Santina cherries is currently priced at approximately ¥650 (US$90), while a 5kg package of 2J Santina cherries is around ¥1,300 (US$180). Traders note that 2J–3J Santina cherries are currently the most popular. According to traders, Santina cherries have arrived earlier this year than in previous years, while the Chinese New Year falls later than usual, meaning the peak purchasing season has not yet begun. At present, consumer acceptance of high-priced fruit is limited, resulting in slower sales and lower prices compared with the same period last year. The quality of arriving cherries is comparable to previous years, and overall performance is considered satisfactory.
Left: Chilean Santina air-freighted cherries; Right: Thai young coconuts
Arrivals of Yunnan blueberries have increased, keeping prices firm. The average price for 18mm+ fruit is currently ¥160–¥180 (US$22–US$25) per box, while 16mm+ sizes are priced around ¥140 (US$19) per box, with a range of packaging options available. It is understood that the current arrivals are of consistently good quality, similar to early-season fruit. Varieties with thicker blooms are expected to reach the market gradually around December. Traders report that high arrival costs are supporting firm market prices, though this has also slowed sales. However, premium, bloom-rich blueberries continue to sell out quickly despite higher prices.
Chile Brooks cherries
The supply of Peruvian blueberries has increased significantly, putting downward pressure on prices. The mainstream price is now around ¥104–¥110 (US$14–US$15) per box, with smaller batches priced between ¥90–¥100 (US$12–US$13) per box, representing an overall 10%–15% decline compared with the same period last year. Traders report that while arrivals have grown substantially, market performance has been weaker than expected, with inconsistent quality among some batches. Actual transaction prices vary depending on product quality.
Various packages of Yunnan blueberries
Arrivals of Chilean avocados have also increased, leading to a gradual decline in prices. This week's average price is approximately ¥145 (US$20) per box, down about 10% from two weeks ago. A small quantity of Peruvian avocados is also available on the market, priced significantly lower than Chilean ones.
Regarding durians, Vietnamese Monthong durians remain the main variety, with prices lower than last week. A6-size durians are currently priced at approximately ¥650–¥700 (US$90–US$97) per box. Traders report that high import costs combined with difficulty raising market prices have led to considerable operational pressure.
Left: Chilean avocados; Right: Vietnamese Monthong durians
Prices of imported young coconuts have continued to decline. Thai young coconuts are currently priced at ¥32–¥40 (US$4.40–US$5.50) per box, with some premium brands and sources reaching ¥45–¥60 (US$6.20–US$8.30) per box, though supply at these levels is limited. Traders note that average prices are significantly lower than during the same period last year, when high-quality coconuts could sell for over ¥80 (US$11) per box with steady demand. Vietnamese young coconuts are even cheaper, at around ¥28–¥31 (US$3.90–US$4.30) per box. Despite the lower prices, overall coconut sales remain sluggish due to weak consumer demand.
