Qilin watermelons produced in Gansu, China, have been on the market since late July. It is understood that due to the weather this year, the seasons of several key production areas of Qilin watermelon in summer are close to each other, and the excess volumes have led to a decline in the market.
"The market for Qilin watermelons was good before June and began to decline in early July. The current price at the source is less than ￥2/kg, while the regular price in the same period in previous years is about ￥5-￥5.2/kg." Mr. Zhou Liang from Beiyuan Hange (Shaanxi) Agricultural Products Supply Chain Co., Ltd., said that the recent watermelon market has been sluggish, and the origin and market prices are upside down.
"The reason is that in the first half of the year, the weather in Northwestern China was relatively cold, accompanied by the late spring cold, which affected the growth of crops. Most of the key production areas of Qilin melon in summer are located in the Northwest, and each is affected to varying degrees.
"Take Gansu, one of the core production areas, as an example. In previous years, Gansu Qilin melons ripened around July 10, but this year they were delayed until July 23 and 24, missing the best sales period. In the past, Qilin melons from key production areas in summer entered the market one after another at a nice pace, but this year they were on the market almost at the same time which is hard for the market to digest, making the market slide. "
It is reported that in addition to the postponement of the production season, the weather has also reduced production, and the yield has decreased by about 20%-25% compared to last year.
On the market side, recent bad weather, such as typhoons and heavy rains in many places, has reduced the market demand. Zhou said: "Affected by this, many buyers tend to be cautious when ordering. The market and sales are sluggish, and there is no obvious sign of improvement in the short term. On the other hand, because ripe watermelons are not durable for storage, many melon farmers can only deliver to the market for sale when orders are reduced, making the price of watermelons even more variable."
Talking about market expectations, Zhou said that in the near future, it may be on the sidelines, but it is estimated that there will be improvement in mid-August as the production seasons in other areas will come to an end at that time, while the production season in Gansu will continue.
Beiyuan Hange (Shaanxi) Agricultural Products Supply Chain Co., Ltd.'s main products include small tomatoes and Qilin watermelons. The company takes "Tiaoshan Farm" as the brand for Qilin watermelons, and its sales channels include community group buying and wholesale markets.
