"Even though imported cherries are still considered high-end market products in China, the trend is slowly beginning to change. The retail volumes of imported fruit grow larger every year. In recent years this has caused an explosive growth in the imported fruit market.
This year we'll supply around 30 shipping containers full of cherries imported from Chile. The import volume is larger than in recent years. The consumer power of Chinese customers is rising and the number of people who can afford to purchase imported products also grows. The wholesale price of Chilean cherries in the Shanghai Market was around 45-50 yuan [6.30-7 USD] per 0.5 kg. Top-quality imported fruit packaged in gift boxes sold in supermarkets for around 300-400 yuan [41.99-55.98 USD] per box (100-200g). The market price is clearly higher than in the same period last year." This is according to manager Yang of the Shanghai Can Fruits Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Chilean cherries take advantage of the opposition between growing seasons in the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. Chilean cherries grow in the Chinese off-season, which gives them a distinct competitive advantage in the market. The peak period of Chilean cherry sales takes place every year between November and February in the subsequent year. Domestic cherries have not yet entered the market in this period. Many people choose the high-end cherries as gifts for family and friends during Chinese Spring Festival [25 January, 2020].
The overall export volume of Chilean cherries reached 186 thousand tons in 2018. More than 90% of the exported cherries were destined for the Chinese market. "Chilean cherries have a more stable product quality and a greater price-quality ratio than cherries coming from other countries. Chilean cherries are therefore more popular with Chinese consumers. Our cherries are pre-cooled in the production area right after they are harvested. The cherries are then immediately delivered to the packaging facility where the cherries are separated, selected, and packaged.
This entire process takes place in refrigerated facilities. The cooler temperatures during this process help to guarantee that the cherries remain as fresh as possible. The cherries can be kept fresh between half a month and two months. The fresh cherries are usually shipped by sea from Santiago to Shanghai. The cherries are then sold in Shanghai Huizhan Wholesale Market to wholesale markets and supermarkets in Chinese second- and third-tier cities. The entire journey from the cherry orchard in Chile until the plate of the Chinese consumer takes around 30-40 days," explained manager Yang.
The USA and Canada are large cherry exporters, but there is a reason why China imports from Chile, explained manager Yang, "the production volume in Chile is large. Furthermore, their supply chain is mature and stable. In addition, the price of Chilean cherries is lower in comparison to similar quality cherries from other production areas. Take the current market price for example, a 5 kg box of Chilean cherries (26-28 mm) shipped by sea to China costs around 300 yuan [41.99 USD], while a similar box from Canada costs around 350 yuan [48.98 USD]."
"There are currently many companies that import Chilean cherries to the Chinese market. Competition is intense. "Companies occupy different positions in the market. The vast majority purchases directly from suppliers in Chile, but we cooperate with cherry orchards to guarantee product quality from the very beginning. There are only a few companies who are this deeply involved in the entire supply chain. We are able to guarantee a stable production volume and stable product quality because we are involved right from the start. This gives us competitive advantage in the Chinese market."
In addition to cherries, Shanghai Can Fruits also imports plums, grapes, and apples from Chile, as well as avocados from Peru and blueberries from Canada.
For more information:
Yang Chuyue - Manager
Shanghai Can Fruits Network Technology Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 15601737427
E-mail: [email protected]
