The new export season of Chilean cherries officially began in early November. Large volumes of Chilean cherries arrive in various Chinese markets every day. The sales volume of Chilean cherries in Chinese markets exploded in the last few years. However, there have been some situations where the market conditions were turned upside down. A spokesperson for Hunan Fruit Mate Agricultural Science and Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. (hereafter 'Fruitmate') recently talked about the current trends in the cherry market in China.
Hunan Fruitmate welcomes chartered flight with Chilean cherries
"Chilean cherries became popular in the Chinese market in recent years and sales conditions greatly improved because Chilean cherries rely on excellent and stable product quality, an abundant supply volume, and cherry varieties with flavors that are popular with Chinese consumers. Of course, sometimes the supply volume was larger than market demand and the market turned upside down. Under those conditions the price of Chilean cherries showed a significant decline. If everything goes according to plan, then, our company will import a greater volume of Chilean cherries this year than we did last year."
"However, we are still too early in this season to determine how the market will develop later this season. On the one hand, the production volume was much larger this year than last year, which may put pressure on the export price of Chilean cherries. On the other hand, Chinese Spring Festival [25 January, 2020] takes place several weeks earlier than usual, while the production season in Chilean cherry orchards is not much earlier than last year. That means that the Chinese market has to absorb a larger volume of Chilean cherries in a shorter period of time."
Chilean cherries
"We have received nothing but enthusiastic feedback from the moment we brought our first shipment of Chilean cherries onto the Chinese market. Chinese consumers have been waiting for Chilean cherries for a long time. The expectations run high at the beginning of the season. We select Chilean cherries with the highest product quality for our stores. That is why consumers are familiar with our brand. The first rush on Chilean cherries in our store was bigger this year than around the same time last year. This is also an indication that Chinese consumers are becoming more and more familiar with Chilean cherries. Specialized stores engage with the public to educate consumers in recognizing cherry brands and cherry varieties. Apart from this, the sales volume during Double 11, a commercial holiday on November 11th, did not significantly increase because the price of Chilean cherries was quite high early in the season."
"We are an import and export company with years of management experience. Fruitmate adjusts the marketing strategy and packaging methods of fruit based on the purchase preferences and diverse demand of consumers. There are many factors that influence consumer and market preferences for fruit."
"For example, the standards people have for cherries mostly depend on retail channels, while the varieties of cherries in the market depend on changing conditions in production areas. If the weather conditions are perfect for certain cherry varieties, then those varieties are likely to receive great market feedback."
"Regardless of the circumstances, Fruitmate always selects the freshest, most delicious cherries to satisfy Chinese consumer demand. We sell cherries through various retail channels in a number of packaging methods to guarantee that we meet the diverse demand of various consumer groups. For example, last year we adjusted the size of packaging before and after the holidays. We always have holiday gift boxes, but this year we also hired an external designer to develop even more refined gift boxes."
Wang Fuhua, chairman of the board of Fruitmate, was appointed chair of the 2019 Third General Assembly for Members, which is organized by the Chinese Fruit Association Key Enterprise Branch (Coalition).
The responsibility to chair this assembly is rotated among members. This third general assembly took place in the Xiaoxiang Hall of the Huaya International Hotel in Changsha, Hunan, on November 21st, 2019. Lu Fangjiao, chair of the Chinese Fruit Distribution Association, confirmed the achievements of the coalition this year and discussed the future developments in the Chinese fruit industry.
He pointed out that the fruit industry is one of the pillars of the Chinese economy. This is a great industry that stands for health and environmental awareness. The leading enterprises in this industry must uphold those values. They must pursue modernization in agriculture and the development of supply chain brands with attention to national policy and economic conditions. They must maintain high standards for product quality and services to maintain their leading position in the fruit industry.
For more information:
Fiona Jiang
Hunan Fruitmate Agricultural Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
Website: http://www.gzyny.com
Tel. (China): +86 158 7494 9994
E-mail: fiona.jiang@fruitmate1997.com