"The environment and weather largely determine the production of dragon fruits. This year, Hainan's dragon fruit season started on 19 May, and will end around 20 December," according to Mr. Michael Gao from Hainan North Latitude 18 Orchard Co Ltd.
Mr. Michael Gao on a Hainan North Latitude 18 Orchard field
"North Latitude 18 has its own red dragon fruit fields of over 733 hectares in Dongfang, the west of Hainan island. It grows one of the world's best dragon fruit breeds, namely N18-1#. The production area of non-seasonal dragon fruits has increased from 5 hectares last year to 66 hectares this year."
Hainan's red dragon fruit is at one with nature
"Compared to other regions in China, Hainan has its own climate advantages. Its tropical weather makes for the best production environment for dragon fruit. The decision to place the fields in the west of the island were made after serious considerations. For example, the west of Hainan is the area with the most sunlight, the least rain, and the fewest hurricanes. Furthermore, the area naturally grows cacti, and as dragon fruit also belongs to the cactus branch, the area became its cradle. This year, Dongfang has not experienced any hurricanes, so the dragon fruit production is normal. This is only the second and third year that we have planted them, so they are not at their highest yield yet."
North Latitude 18's red dragon fruit fields in Hainan
"From the start of the production season, the price of N18 dragon fruits has seen a small increase, but the overall dragon fruit price has dropped compared to last year. This price decrease has many reasons, such as the growth in supply, the large drop in price of Vietnamese dragon fruits, the product quality and sales channels of other production areas and companies, and a lack of brand awareness."
Plump Hainan dragon fruits
"Currently, our red dragon fruits are sold under our umbrella brand "North Latitude 18" and our secondary brand "West Island Fruit" through traditional sales channels to distributors and supermarkets in large cities in China, such as first tier cities, like Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou, and some second tier cities. Simultaneously, we are gradually moving to TOC markets, so we can directly work with international 5 star hotels and VIP guests. Because of the previous great market response, we will increase our efforts in developing these markets."
The new North Latitude 18 processing facility
"Apart from fresh fruit, we are also building a new processing facility, where we will work on pulp, NFC, snacks, liquor, enzymes, and facial masks. It is estimated that our 13 hectare processing facility will be finished in June 2018. Currently, our NFC has done some market tests. The response was great, so we will improve our storage to make it more convenient for the consumer. Furthermore, we will focus on the research and development of dragon fruit applications and sports drinks. We hope to become China's biggest tropical fruit producer and supplier, and be like Bordeaux' "Lafite". North Latitude 18 will not only be a fruit producer, but also aims to be a company that leads China to a green and healthy lifestyle."
Michael Gao
Company name: Hainan North Latitude 18 Orchard Co., Ltd.
Contact information: gaoxd@bw18.com.cn