The Chilean nectarine production volumes and export volumes have steadily grown in the last few years. Chile exported 1,400 shipping containers with nectarines to China last year. At this point in the new season, Chile already exported 300 shipping containers with nectarines to China. Although the season started rather late this year, the product quality is quite good and the price is therefore high.
According to Mike, spokesperson for nectarine import company Guangzhou Green Belt Food Co., Ltd.: "The export volumes of Chilean cherries grow larger every year, but sales conditions have not been great since the outbreak of Covid-19. The risk is rather high for Chilean cherry exporters. We understand that some Chilean farmers have invested in other early-season stone fruits and have had great results. China imports more nectarines from Chile than Australia. Chinese consumers are more familiar with Chilean nectarines, and there has always been a strong market demand."
Chilean nectarines sell in Chinese wholesale markets between December and April in the subsequent year. "This year the Chilean nectarine season started a bit later than usual. Only a few brands supplied nectarines early in the season and product movement was quite slow. That is why the price started high."
In previous years the opening price of Chilean nectarines was around 280-290 yuan [44.30-45.88 USD] per box of 10kg. This season the opening price was around 360 yuan [56.95 USD]. Major brands who supplied the market early reaped great benefit from the high opening price. Mike explained, "product movement speeds up after Spring Festival [1 February, 2022] is over. The supply volume grows and so the price declines. This year, however, the price remains higher than in previous years."
The General Administration Customs China (GACC) increased the number and severity of border inspections after the outbreak of Covid-19. Fruit products are often delayed by these customs procedures. Moreover, Chilean nectarine farmers also struggle with labor shortages in production areas, the rising cost price of packaging, and high shipping costs. Sales conditions are quite good this early in the season, but only after the cherry season ends will trends in the nectarine market become more clear.
For more information:
Mike Wang
Guangzhou Green Belt Food Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 139 2507 3993
E-mail: [email protected]
