China: Start of a busy harvest period for Fuping persimmons

"As the main persimmon production area, Fuping is responsible for 70% of China's persimmon production. All persimmon producers are now busy harvesting and hanging the fruit. The harvest in Fuping usually starts at the end of October. They then enter the market in December, and are sold for around one month," according to Ms. Hu from Shaanxi New Farmer E-Commerce Co., Ltd.

"The high temperatures and dry weather in July and August, and the low temperatures and heavy rain in September and October have led to a large drop in the production of Fuping persimmons. Furthermore, this is not a fruit bearing year. Compared to last year, this year's production has dropped around 50%. The drop in supply will raise the market price. However, this is not the only reason why the price will rise. The costs of production and sales, such as labor, distribution, and packaging, have all increased over the past few years. Especially the packaging costs have increased approximately 70% from last year."

"Persimmons are produced all over China. Because of differences in breeds, climates and production methods, there are large differences in taste as well. The State Forestry Administration has named Fuping the 'Chinese home of persimmons', with its 10,000 hectares (100,000 mu), growing 40 million kilograms of fresh persimmons per year, and producing 8 million kilograms of dried persimmons. The entire production process of dried persimmons, including picking, peeling, hanging, pressing, frosting, sorting and packing, takes up around two months."

"Because of the unique geographical location and special processing technology, Fuping persimmons are of excellent quality, have a sweet taste, and are not too soft. We sell them mainly on online platforms under our registered brand 'Gu Shi' to distributors and supermarkets in cities all over China."