"We have worked hard to open up the European market for Chinese chestnuts in the last few years, but because the variety of chestnuts is limited, European market demand remained relatively small. More recently, however, we have received frequent inquiries from retailers in Germany about our products. During business negotiations with our German partners we noticed that the European market demand for Chinese chestnuts is steadily growing." This is according to manager Dong of Qinhuangdao Yanshan Chinese Chestnuts Co., Ltd.
"Fluctuations in the export price of Chinese chestnuts closely follow changes in the domestic production volume. Last year, when the chestnut trees were bearing fruit, there was no rain at all in chestnut production areas. And in the winter there was very little rain. The overall production volume of Chinese chestnuts declined by nearly 50% as a result of these weather conditions.The reduced production volume put a strain on the relation between demand and supply, and the export price subsequently increased by 30%," explained manager Dong.
"Overseas clients value the product quality and flavor of Chinese chestnuts more than they value the export price. In addition to China, other important producers of chestnuts include Korea and Italy. However, the Korean production volume of chestnuts is relatively small, and the chestnuts from Italy have a thin skin on the inside that is quite difficult to remove, which places huge limitations on chestnut processing possibilities. Chestnuts are medium-to-high-end products in overseas markets. The prices of Chinese chestnuts in overseas markets are very diverse, depending the country where they are sold. The price difference between the same variety of chestnuts sold in different countries can be huge. For example, fresh Chinese chestnuts sell for 50 yuan [7.24 USD] per 0.5 kg in the USA and Japan, but the same variety of chestnuts sells for only 25 yuan [3.62 USD] per 0.5 kg in Thailand."
"Our main export markets currently include East Asia and North America. Our annual export volume of Chinese chestnuts steadily grows every year. Large-scale supermarkets in Europe previously purchased Chinese chestnuts through intermediaries, but in recent years they gradually abandoned intermediaries in favor of direct purchase from Chinese chestnut factories."
"We mainly use double tier jute bags as packaging for the fresh Chinese chestnuts destined for export. However, we adjust the type of packaging for different overseas markets depending on their specific requirements. In this way we aim to satisfy specific demands from various markets. For example, the chestnuts we export to Japan are generally packaged in 80 kg bags, while the chestnuts we export to Korea are packaged in 40 kg bags. The bags for the Middle East are even smaller, around 1-2 kg per bag," explained manager Dong. "We can also provide organic certification and proof of environmentally-friendly, green production for clients who require this type of certification."
Qinhuangdao Yanshan Chinese Chestnuts will participate in the Berlin Fruit Logistica on February 5-7. All visitors are welcome at their company stand in hall 26 at booth D-04a. "This is the first time we will participate in the Berlin Fruit Logistica. We hope to meet new European clients and bring the delicious flavor of Chinese chestnuts to more countries."
For more information:
Dong - Manager
Qinhuangdao Yanshan Chinese Chestnuts Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 18712739625
Tel.: +86 335 7129 281
E-mail: naomidong@163.com
Website: www.qhd-chestnut.cn