Due to the unfavorable weather conditions this year, the overall pumpkin production volume in China is much less than around this time last year. Many growers are losing money, and there is a short supply in the market.
Mr. Xie Zhangjie, Manager of Guangzhou Qinglian Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. explained the current pumpkin market conditions: “The weather this year has had a great impact on our production. Three of our centers have suffered serious losses. Last winter, two months of overcast and rainy weather in Jiangxi were extremely unfavorable for the growth. In June this year, due to excessive rain, production in the Wenshan District of Yunnan Province was greatly reduced. The quality of pumpkins from Inner Mongolia that became available in July is not ideal due to the lack of sun. Overall, our production this year is 47% lower.”
Guangzhou Qinglian Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. is a specialized pumpkin grower with five Beibei pumpkin growing centers in China and Myanmar. Due to differences in seasons and climate in these production areas, the grower is able to offer year-round supply. “Although the weather has had a certain impact on production and quality, for a long time, we have been ensuring the quality and supply of our products and offering year-round unified pricing. The current average market price is around 4.5 yuan per half a kilo.”
“Our products are sold across China. Supermarkets, wholesale, e-commerce, customization for businesses, and growing based on orders each account for 20% of the total domestic sales. In terms of export, Canada is our main overseas market, and we usually send around 2 containers each month. However, in recent months, due to the shortage of supply, we had to suspend our export business and focus on the local market. We expect to resume the supply to overseas markets in the next six months.”
In terms of the requirements of overseas markets for pumpkins produced in China, Xie Zhangjie said, “In Canada, for example, 80% of pumpkins are locally grown and 20% is imported. Although they do not require imported pumpkins to provide organic certification, Chinese imports are required to pass 268 pesticide residue tests and 4 heavy metal tests. Therefore, compared with products to be sold locally, we have stricter requirements on the quality control of export products in terms of size, freshness, and taste."
"The price of regular pumpkins in China is 1-2 yuan/half a kilo. Although our price is nearly three times higher, our products are still in short supply. We believe that ensuring the taste is the key to winning the market. The taste of the pumpkin is mainly decided by the variety as well as the climate of the production areas. There are over 30 varieties of Beibei pumpkins in China, but we have adopted a variety imported from Japan with higher quality and stability. We have selected the best production areas of 1600-1900 meters above sea level with the most suitable climatic conditions to host our growing centers. In addition, we ensure the products are ripened naturally, and go through standardized treatment. Pumpkins are cleaned, disinfected, and dried to ensure that the product is sweet and soft in taste. Our products are very popular with consumers."
More information:
Contact: Xie Zhangjie
Company: Guangzhou Qinglian Agricultural Development Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 13928747716