As the consumer spending power grows, cherries have become one of the most popular fruits in China, whose imports and sales volumes have been increasing year by year. More and more companies are seeing the potential of the local market and starting to trade this fruit. As one of the main products handled by Guangzhou Zhanhui Trading, the company currently imports cherries from Canada, the United States, South Africa, Uzbekistan, and Turkey.
When talking about the impact of the China-US trade war on imports and prices, Mr. Zhou, manager of the company said, "Since September 1, the US export of Chinese cherries is now subject to an extra 10% tariff, which means that when Chinese importers import cherries from the US, the tariffs are as high as 70%. This increase has led to a significant decline in market demand.
In previous years, our weekly imports during the US cherry season were stable at 3-5 containers, but starting from this year, we only consider importing from the US when there is a significant market advantage in doing so. With this as a backdrop, we have been turning to other countries of origin, such as Canada. Not only us, but many businesses across the sector have turned their eyes to Canada. The cherry season in this country takes place basically at the same time as the US, and the timing is even closer to the Mid-Autumn Festival when the market demand is large. Although the production in Canada has decreased this year, the overall quality is slightly higher than that of previous years, and there is more fruit with large sizes. In addition, their prices are more reasonable, so they are more popular with Chinese buyers.”
“We import the largest part of our products from Chile. In just two months between last December and this February, our imports from this country reached more than 150 containers and are expected to increase further this year. The fruit from Chile enjoys a counter-seasonal sales window, which lands right around the Chinese New Year. The quality is high, the taste is good, and the price is reasonable, so they are very popular in the China market. China is the largest export destination of Chilean cherries. Currently, over 90% of the exports from Chile go to China. ”
When talking about the reasons that the fruit from Chile is becoming more and more popular in China and the sales volume is increasing steadily year by year, Manager Zhou said: “The Chilean Cherry Association makes a lot of investment every year, not only for promoting online but also in offline channels such as wholesale markets, large-scale supermarkets and stores. In addition, strong support for local producers and exporters have been given on the government level. For example, leaders of their Commercial Department came to Jiangnan Wholesale Market to participate in promotion activities, and the government has sent experts to second- and third-tier cities in China to search for suitable sales channels. Therefore, the growing popularity comes with a highly established sector, active participation on all levels, and very good promotional activities. “In order to diversify product offerings and meet the needs of different customers, Guangzhou Zhanhui Trading Co., Ltd. imports cherries from Chile, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries. However, as the export market is not yet established, the current trade volume is not high.”
Regarding the transportation of products, Mr. Zhou introduced, “We generally choose logistics and transportation based on time periods. Take products from Chile as an example, in the early season when there is less fruit and the Chinese market is empty, in order to seize the market opportunity, most of the products are flown in. By the beginning of December, after a large volume has been harvested, we usually turn to lower-cost shipping."
Guangzhou Zhanhui Trading Co., Ltd. imports a variety of fresh fruits including grapes, avocados, apples, and citrus from countries around the world.
More info：
Contact: Zhou Fuchang
Company: Guangzhou Zhanhui Trading Co., Ltd.
Phone: +86 18819822047