The mandarin orange season in Yichang, Hubei Province, China, is about to begin. "Harvesting starts in early September, with early varieties beginning to color around September 20. In fast-coloring varieties, the red coloration can exceed 50%. This year's mandarins are larger, cleaner, juicier, and have an excellent taste. Overall quality is better than in previous years," said Ms. Meng Fanqin, Director of the Yingshanhong Citrus Professional Cooperative in Zhijiang City, Hubei Province, which has more than a decade of citrus export experience.
"This year, Hubei's mandarin orange production has increased by about 20%. Favorable weather in the production areas has resulted in fruit with ideal taste and sweetness. The Brix level has already reached 10 and is expected to gradually rise to 12–13 from September onward."
"Mandarin oranges have always been well-received in export markets. Those produced in Yichang have thicker peels, are more durable during transport, and have a superior shape and flavor, making them a favorite for international buyers. Unlike last year, when reduced production pushed prices higher, this year's bumper crop is expected to keep prices lower than the same period last year, creating more favorable conditions for exports." In previous years, Yichang mandarin oranges entered the export market in mid-September, coinciding with the end of Yunnan's season. However, this year, the Yunnan mandarin orange sales period has been extended, so the export schedule for Yichang fruit will be adjusted according to the actual harvest progress in Yunnan.
"We have already received inquiries from international buyers about the growing conditions of this season's mandarins. After visiting other production areas, some customers expressed optimism about the quality of Hubei mandarins and indicated their intention to prioritize them for export this year. We are confident in the market prospects for this season's mandarin oranges," Ms. Meng said.
It is noteworthy that in the past two years, export markets have raised their requirements regarding sweetness and peel coloration. "In the past, sweetness was not a major concern for overseas buyers. However, beginning last year, some customers began specifying requirements for both taste and sweetness, and insisted on fruit with a yellowish-red peel. They are even willing to pay a premium for high-altitude citrus, while excluding those grown in sandy soils or on flatlands. This year, the number of buyers with such requirements has further increased. From what we understand, buyers currently sourcing in Yunnan have almost universally raised their expectations for fruit quality," Ms. Meng added.
The Yingshanhong Citrus Professional Cooperative specializes in citrus from Hubei and Hunan, including mandarin oranges and Newhall navel oranges, with key export destinations in Russia, North Korea, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
