The market supply volume of Shine Muscat grapes significantly increased this year. Yu Binwen, spokesperson for Sichuan Yuecheng Mingzhu Agriculture Co., Ltd., recently talked about current conditions and future trends in the Shine Muscat grape market.
"This is a pivotal moment for the Shine Muscat grape market," said Yu Binwen. "Market demand for top-quality grapes exceeds the supply volume and the price is rapidly increasing. Even at 20-30 yuan [2.97-4.45 USD] per 0.5 kg, people still buy them. Mediocre Shine Muscat grapes are not as much in demand. Even with a price of around 10 yuan [1.48 USD] per 0.5 kg, they are still difficult to sell. The polarization of prices encourages farmers to aim for the high-end market, which means they have to produce grapes with great flavor and excellent product quality. The overall price showed a slight downward trend this year, but we still enjoy excellent prices because we guarantee excellent product quality. Many of our clients have been with us for years."
According to Yu Binwen, branding is key in the Shine Muscat grape market. "Only vineyards with their own brand can effectively control product quality, and only then can they guarantee top-quality grapes. Consumers are mostly aware of commercial brands, but it is important for growers to make buyers aware of their brand. One effective approach is to set up a regional brand for Shine Muscat grape growers, such as the 'Xichang Shine Muscat' brand for grapes from Xichang."
"In addition, growers need to continuously update their plantation technology. The number of grape varieties will only grow more diverse in the future, and the overall surface area devoted to grape plantation will expand. When that time comes, the market will be flooded with grapes, and branding will help products stand out. Brands with great market compatibility help expand the profit margin. Our vineyard already has a brand, 'moon kiss'. And in the future we will invest more time and money in brand formation and management. We are currently exploring livestream retail methods to bring our brand directly under the attention of consumers. That has been a breakthrough for our brand."
As for future trends in the Shine Muscat grape industry, Yu Binwen explained, "the rising cost of labor is one of the challenges for the grape industry. We still enjoy the advantage of low labor costs, but in the next 5-10 years there will be a labor shortage that will raise the labor cost. The grape industry will then face a new challenge. We have to make sure that we excel in terms of grape varieties, plantation technology, and scale of production."
Yu Binwen also talked about other developments in the industry, such as ecological vineyards for Shine Muscat grapes. "There are some areas in north China where natural conditions are ideal for grape production, such as the Bohai Economic Circle. When the grapes ripen under the right weather conditions their product quality is exceptional."
Sichuan is one of the main grape production areas in China. Sichuan Yuecheng Mingzhu Agriculture Co., Ltd. is located in Daliang Shan, a town in Xichang, Sichuan. Their plantation covers an area of 67 hectares and mainly grows Shine Muscat grapes. The grapes are sold under the brand name 'moon kiss' in east China and south China.
For more information:
Yu Binwen
Sichuan Yuecheng Zhuming Agriculture Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 133 4097 6929
E-mail: 281660047@qq.com