The first Chilean cherries of this season arrived in the Chinese market in early November. The main supply volume initially came from air-freighted cherries, but as the season progresses the sea-freight cherries begin to dominate. The overall production volume is larger than last year. According to predictions made by the Chilean Cherry Association, a subsidiary of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX), the overall export volume of fresh Chilean cherries will reach 310,352 tons in the 2020/2021 season. That is an increase of 35.8% in comparison with last year. The vast majority of these cherries are destined for the Chinese market.
The increased supply volume of Chilean cherries has not at all lowered their price in the Chinese market. The retail price of some cherry varieties even increased by as much as 25%-30% in the beginning of the season. The reason for this price increase is the Covid-19 pandemic, which increased the cost price of transportation from production areas. In addition, the number of flights was reduced due to the outbreak of Covid-19, which further stimulated the transport price. That is why the price of air-freight cherries was relatively high in the beginning of the season.
"The current conditions are different. The product quality of Chilean cherries is good, just like in previous years. This year we mainly import Chilean Santina cherries. The first chartered flight arrived in Shanghai on 28 November. We sold these cherries under the supplier's brand predominantly in Shanghai supermarkets. We mainly sell cherries via traditional retail channels, but we are looking to connect with online traders." This is according to Mr. Deng, a fruit importer.
Many shipping companies announced higher prices in recent weeks. According to Mr. Deng, "specialists said that the arrival of sea-freight cherries would mean that the price of Chilean cherries would come down. The first sea-freight cherries already arrived in Guangzhou Jiangnan Market several days ago, but the price of these cherries is more or less the same as the air-freight cherries earlier in the season. That is the influence of the rising shipping cost."
For more information:
Mr. Deng
Fruit importer
Tel.: +86 139 9335 7771