This season's Chinese honey pomelo officially entered the market in early August, and exports are progressing steadily. Shipments to the European market are expected to conclude by the end of December, while exports to Russia will continue until the end of January. As the traditional peak export season draws to a close, overall market performance remains stable.
© Lipeng Guoye
According to Mr. Wen, head of Pinghe Flourish Fruit Industrial Co., Ltd., a honey pomelo producer and exporter, this year's Pinghe honey pomelo season has seen both increased production and improved quality. "Overall, honey pomelo production has risen by approximately 30% this year. The fruit shows a well-balanced appearance, sweetness, and acidity. The extended picking period has also enhanced ripeness and selection flexibility, resulting in more consistent quality across multiple varieties," he said.
Notably, small-sized honey pomelos, highly popular in the European market, have seen a marked increase in output this year, with particularly impressive quality. "These smaller fruits offer both excellent flavor and attractive appearance while maintaining reasonable prices. We can say this is one of the best value-for-money seasons in recent years," Mr. Wen added.
© Lipeng Guoye
Despite this, honey pomelo prices remain low. "In recent years, honey pomelo prices have generally stayed at low levels, and this season's prices have dropped significantly compared to last year. Although this has somewhat affected the domestic market, it has actually boosted our export competitiveness," Mr. Wen explained.
Flourish Fruit has long specialized in honey pomelo exports, primarily focusing on white pomelos, with exports of red pomelos growing steadily in recent years. "Exports have been stable so far this season, with overall export volumes slightly higher than last year, particularly to Europe, where shipments are up by around 20%," Mr. Wen said.
Alongside its established overseas markets, Flourish Fruit is also strengthening its domestic presence. "This year, we have increased our investment in the domestic market. In addition to our main products, honey pomelo and Papagan mandarins, we have also introduced new categories such as pomegranates. Market feedback has been very positive, showing high consumer acceptance and strong sales," he noted.
© Lipeng Guoye
Pinghe Flourish Fruit Industrial Co., Ltd. operates a 120-hectare GAP-certified planting base in Pinghe County, Fujian Province, China's core honey pomelo production area. "To ensure fruit quality and reduce environmental impact, we removed traditional plastic netting and decorative ribbons from some high-end packaging this season, leaving only a thin protective film to prevent rot and pests. This change has reduced plastic use by as much as 60%," Mr. Wen said. "I believe that in the future, more customers will consider a supplier's environmental awareness as part of their evaluation criteria. Companies that innovate and optimize their packaging will stand out in the market."
