The seasonal lychee from Kunming recently entered the Chinese market. At the same time, media reported that the price of lychee from Guangdong is soaring. The price is higher than most people are able to afford. The price of lychee in Zhuanxin Farmer's Market is 22-50 yuan [3.18-7.23 USD] per kg. The price of lychee in fruit stores is around 30 yuan [4.34 USD] per kg. People in the industry stated that the main supply of lychee currently comes from Hainan. The main variety is the Concubine Smile lychee. The price is more or less the same as in previous years.
The Beijing News reported that lychee trees in Guangdong and Guangxi were unable to rest during the winter because temperatures were too high. The trees were unable to build up nutrient reserves for the production of flowers during blossom season. Furthermore, last year the lychee harvest was abundant, which further depleted nutrient reserves and caused low blossom ratios this year. The result was an overall decline in production volume.
A spokesperson for the Guangdong lychee industry stated the following: "This is the greatest decline in production volume in 20 years. The early-season Concubine Smile lychee is one of the varieties with relatively good conditions this year. Their production volume is around 60%-70% of the average production volume in recent years. However, the Flavor of Guilin and Rice Cake lychee varieties, which are quite popular with consumers, have production volumes that are around 10%-20% of their average production volumes in recent years. Some lychee plantations lost the entire harvest.
The news from major lychee production areas causes slight fluctuations in the Yunnan lychee market. The Yunnan market still hopes to welcome Guangdong lychee during the peak of lychee retail season, but around that time the price is likely to be on the high side.
Source: ccwb.yunnan.cn