Recently, average wholesale price of pitaya hovers around 8 Yuan (€1.20) per kilogram. Prices of white pitaya from Hainan, Guangxi and Yunnan Province are lower at 4 to 8 Yuan per kilogram. Red papaya prices are a bit higher at 6 to 16 Yuan (€0.9 to €1.8) per kilogram.
The price of pitaya on the Chinese market has dropped recently. The average market price has been pulled down especially by the low price of white pitaya. More white papaya has been planted in recent years and the white variety is gradually replacing the red papaya on the market.
A few years ago, most red papaya's on the market were imported from Southeast Asian countries. Prices were higher due to import and transport costs. Prices have dropped since domestic plant technologies have improved increasing yields, selection of quality seeds and increases in plant base. As a result, price levels are now more acceptable to most consumers.
Sales are being hampered for a couple of reasons this season. Pitaya production has developed fast in places like Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou, now reaching almost 7,000 hectares. Harvest time in the different provinces are not far apart, as a result total production volume reaching the market at once is high.
Premium products can still fetch a good price. However, seed varieties are of mixed quality and as a result, the new crop is of mixed quality too. Farmers need to check seeds carefully before purchasing.
A few years ago, most red papaya's on the market were imported from Southeast Asian countries. Prices were higher due to import and transport costs. Prices have dropped since domestic plant technologies have improved increasing yields, selection of quality seeds and increases in plant base. As a result, price levels are now more acceptable to most consumers.
Sales are being hampered for a couple of reasons this season. Pitaya production has developed fast in places like Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou, now reaching almost 7,000 hectares. Harvest time in the different provinces are not far apart, as a result total production volume reaching the market at once is high.
Premium products can still fetch a good price. However, seed varieties are of mixed quality and as a result, the new crop is of mixed quality too. Farmers need to check seeds carefully before purchasing.
Source: Yimutian Institute