With the Chinese New Year approaching, apple farmers are entering the final stage of selling their produce, while traders focus on stocking up. Mr. Zhou from Shaanxi Tangsen Technology, currently sourcing apples in Jingning, Gansu, shared insights into the recent trends and characteristics of the apple market.
"Overall, the apple market is slow this year. Prices remain low, and both the purchase prices offered by traders and the selling prices accepted by farmers are below previous years' levels," Mr. Zhou explained. Among the major apple-producing regions, Jingning and Qin'an in Gansu stand out for their large shipment volumes. Jingning's Red Fuji apples have already sold about 50% of their storage volume, while Qin'an's Huaniu apples have sold 90%, with rising prices.
Left: Jingning Patch Red Fuji apples; Right: Jingning Striped Red Fuji apples
"Jingning's Red Fuji apples are known for their stable quality, with a Brix level of 15-18. Local farmers in Jingning have realistic price expectations and are willing to sell according to market demand, resulting in fast and high sales volumes. However, selling prices are lower than in previous years," Mr. Zhou noted. In contrast, farmers in northern Shaanxi have higher price expectations, which, combined with a weaker market, has resulted in lower shipment volumes from the region.
"On the consumer side, the demand for apples has shifted. Commercial-grade and first-grade apples are slow to sell, while high-grade and third-grade apples are in short supply. Many consumers are focusing more on the essence of apples as 'edible fruit,' rather than factors like packaging or brand premiums," Mr. Zhou added.
Left: Huaniu apples; Right: Ruixue apples
In the export market, Patch Red Fuji apples are in high demand due to their nearly all-red color and visually appealing appearance. Smaller apple sizes, such as #60, #65, and #70, are particularly popular in countries like Indonesia, Nepal, Vietnam, and Thailand. "The Nepalese market has shown significant growth this year," Mr. Zhou observed. "For example, sizes #60 and #65 of export-standard Fuji apples from Jingning have already been sold out by farmers, although some remain in stock with traders."
E-commerce platforms play a significant role in Mr. Zhou's sales channels. However, recent sales have been weaker. "Last year, e-commerce sales were strong before and after apples went into storage, but this year, sales have halved compared to the same period," he said.
New apple varieties are performing well despite the overall sluggish market. "Ruixue and Ruixianghong apples are fetching better prices and sales than traditional varieties. However, Huangyuanshuai apples, which were popular in previous years, have seen slower sales in the past two years," he explained.
Shaanxi Tangsen Technology specializes in the sales of apples and melons from regions like Shaanxi and Gansu. Their diverse sales channels include supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and community marketplaces. The company also procures raw materials for international export trade.