The fresh produce markets in China are gradually opening up for trade again. Market demand for fresh fruit and vegetables is particularly large because the market has been closed for longer than usual as a result of Chinese Spring Festival [25 January, 2020] as well as measures taken to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Mr. Zhao Xiaolei of Hebei Tianbo Fruit recently shared his view on current conditions in the Chinese pear market: "There are some difficulties involved in restarting operations. Not only is labor hard to find, but transport costs have gone up. Shipping, however, has not been affected as much as land transport. The price of fresh pears is currently rising, because demand is growing."
"The current volume of Chinese pears in Hebei warehouses is much larger than the reserves around this time in previous years, around 1 million tons. That is more than 50 thousand 40-feet shipping containers full of pears. The pace of the rising price may affect our sales volume, which increases the risk for pears in warehouses later this season. We believe that the best approach is to take advantage of this opportunity to maintain steady sales. The production season concludes every year in July, which is the period when fresh pears and pears from storage are available on the market at the same time."
Mr. Zhang Xiaolei also explained that growing market demand for Chinese pears stems from the nutritional value of this type of pear: "The pears help to keep the airways moist, which is beneficial for the health of your respiratory system. Chinese consumers eat the pears fresh, but they also steam them, boil them, and cook them. The domestic and international pear markets recently expanded and the price of fresh pears slightly increased."
"The reason for this development is a growing awareness among consumers of the health benefits of fresh pears. Consumers start to pay more attention to the health of their respiratory system. These days everybody knows that pears help to keep your airways healthy, which is why our sales volume continues to grow. When overseas consumers learn that Chinese pears are beneficial for the health of your lungs, the overseas market demand will grow as well."
The Chinese pear industry occupies a growing share of the fruit markets in Latin America ever since the pears from Hebei obtained export permission.
According to Mr. Zhang: "Our market development in Latin America is going well. In Mexico demand even exceeds supply. Only our export volume in Peru is relatively small. We are actively promoting our products in those markets. For example, we offer samples in supermarkets so that customers can try the flavor of Chinese pears for themselves. Most consumers in Latin America are used to Western pears, and the Chinese pear is a new flavor. The Ya pears and Huangguan pears are a perfect, beautiful white color and they are very moist. The pears are fresh and crisp."
"South American consumers love Chinese pears and there is a huge market potential there for our products. However, it takes time to cultivate market demand. Ya pears, Huangguan pears, and Fengshui pears are the three most popular pear varieties among the many varieties that are available. In addition, China is in negotiation with Ecuador for permission to export Chinese pears there. We hope the business talks will proceed smoothly and Chinese pears will enter another major market in the region."
For more information:
Mr. Zhang Xiaolei
Hebei Tianbo Fruit Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 138 3112 1180
Tel.: +86 311 8776 2066
Fax: +86 311 8776 9895
E-mail: smalllei@tianbofruit.com.cn
Website: www.tianbofruit.com.cn