This week, the prices of various seasonal fruits have experienced reductions, attributed partially to sluggish sales, notably seen in imported grapes, and partly due to routine adjustments following new arrivals, such as New Zealand apples. When queried about whether this Friday's "March 8" Women's Day, also known as "Goddess' Day," bolstered fruit sales, some vendors noted that certain retail customers reported accelerated sales, yet this effect has not yet materialized in the wholesale market.
Regarding imported grapes, it is observed that Peruvian green grapes and Chilean red grapes are presently faring well. The price of Peruvian green grapes has recently dipped, fluctuating several times since the Chinese New Year, with each adjustment ranging around tens of yuan. Merchants highlight the presence of renowned brands of Peruvian green grapes with exceptional taste. However, due to a decline in annual arrival volumes in recent years, prices for premium products generally remain robust.
Imported grapes
Merchants specializing in Australian grapes remark on sluggish sales of Australian seedless red grapes in recent days, resulting in a price drop of over 20% compared to its initial launch two to three weeks ago. Conversely, certain high-end Australian black grape brands have hiked prices due to production cutbacks. While these brands boast ideal taste upon arrival, a nearly 30% reduction in production has led to a price increase of approximately 40% compared to previous seasons.
New Zealand Posy apples have entered the market with an opening price below ￥700 per piece, deemed reasonable in comparison to the previous season's debut price. Subsequent adjustments have seen a reduction of approximately 10%, coupled with sluggish sales. Following the launch of New Zealand apples last Friday, sales have decelerated over the past two days, with merchants speculating that trial-purchased products from the previous week remain unsold. Additionally, a small quantity of South African apples was introduced last week, earlier than usual, with reports indicating relatively high opening prices and sluggish subsequent sales.
Left: Chilean Candy Red plums; Right: American apples and New Zealand apples
Among Chilean stone fruits, the price of nectarines has recently seen a slight rebound, while Cherry Plum prices have remained stable, driven by their superior taste profile. Although the price of Candy Red plums experienced a minor uptick in the past two days, the overall market trend has been downward. Merchants attribute this to subpar taste quality in this year's Chilean Candy Red batch, affecting both sales and prices, which are currently lower than last season's and earlier in the current season. Moreover, merchants anticipate the imminent arrival of Chilean Sweet Mary, a popular variety, and are optimistic about its market performance.
Left: Vietnamese Kanyao durians; right: Ecuadorian Yellow dragon fruits
Imported durian prices continue their upward trajectory due to local shortages. A-class Vietnam Kanyao fruit is priced at around ￥480 per piece, marking a 15% increase from two weeks prior, while Thailand's Monthong A6 fruit ranges from ￥1100 to 1500 per piece, a notable rise from the same period last year. Merchants attribute this price surge to delayed fruit production caused by weather conditions in the production areas, leading to depleted stocks despite sustained market demand. However, the steep prices have also prompted cautious purchasing behavior among buyers in need.
Peruvian blueberries
This week, domestic blueberry arrivals are limited, with prices remaining relatively stable compared to last week, with 15++ varieties priced between ￥130 and ￥140 and 18++ varieties priced between ￥150 and ￥160. Peruvian blueberries are available in limited quantities, priced at approximately ￥80 to ￥90 per piece for 15+ sizes. Chilean blueberries are also in short supply, with prices lower than Peruvian counterparts. Yunnan blueberries, particularly the popular L25 variety, are experiencing shortages, despite the arrival of blueberries from other regions such as Guangzhou Huadu, as buyers exhibit a preference for Yunnan blueberries.