In Cambodia, the world's main producer of bananas, the cultivation of bananas is dominated by Cavendish. Since it was approved to export to China in July 2019, the total annual output has increased by leaps and bounds. Among them, the output in 2019 is 17,500 tons; the output in 2020 is 240,000 tons; the output in 2021 is 358,000 tons; and the output from January to August 2022 has reached 255,000 tons. Production is expected to reach 500,000 tons in 2022. Recently, the head of the China-Cambodia Seed Industry shared his views on the development of the Cambodian banana industry with Freshplaza.
Cambodian bananas can be supplied uninterrupted throughout the year, and 100% of them are currently exported to China. Exports of Cambodian bananas to China declined in the first quarter of this year, mainly due to poor management of individual companies' cultivation when faced with pests and diseases, which led to reduced production.
"In terms of export prices, the overall export price of Cambodian bananas has risen this year, with an increase of less than 10%. But this has not brought more benefits to planting companies. The reason is that, on the one hand there is the rising sea freight and, on the other hand, there is a shortage of labor and a substantial increase in planting costs, including high electricity bills and taxes on agricultural materials. "
In recent years, in the Chinese market, Vietnamese and South American bananas have mainly posed a competitive threat to Cambodian bananas. During the peak export season every year, Vietnam hits the Northeast market, accounting for about 20% of the market share. South America has an uninterrupted supply of bananas all year round and accounts for around 10% of the market.
"The two major market advantages of Cambodian bananas in the Chinese market are: first, most of the banana planting companies in Cambodia are from China, and they have a deep understanding of the Chinese market and know what consumers there need. Secondly, Cambodia has good light and heat conditions, good cultivation and management techniques, good banana quality and stable quality throughout the year. "
The main business of the China-Cambodia Seed Industry in Cambodia is the breeding and promotion of seedlings. The seedling base covers an area of about 10 hectares. The variety cultivation demonstration park covers an area of about 30 hectares, and the main cultivated varieties are banana, coconut, grapefruit, and durian. Among them, the variety demonstration park belongs to the parent garden, which is mainly used for cultivation technology training, and the output of plants and products is mainly for display.
More information:
Yang Jiaping
China-Cambodia Seed Industry
Tel: +85 509 7837 4518
Email: yangjiaping159@gmail.com